LBBC Welcomes Women to Metastatic Breast Cancer Conference

Philadelphia-based nonprofit organization Living Beyond Breast Cancer (LBBC) has opened registration for its ninth annual conference for women living with metastatic breast cancer. The event takes place Saturday, April 11-Sunday April 12 at the Loews Philadelphia Hotel in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Metastatic (or stage IV) breast cancer occurs when cancer cells from the breast spread to another part of the body such as the lungs, bones, liver or brain. Metastatic breast cancer can be treatable although at this time there is no treatment that can reliably eliminate the cancer. Women with this stage of the disease can live with the condition for many years. There are approximately 152,000 women in the United States currently living with metastatic breast cancer.

"Our previous conferences have attracted hundreds of attendees from across the country by featuring leading national medical and wellness experts who present specialized general sessions and over a dozen workshops on various topics," said LBBC CEO Jean A. Sachs, MSS, MLSP, who adds that the event is "designed to address the complex medical, social and emotional issues that women experience when diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer. As in past years, workshops for family members and caregivers will also be offered."

In addition, LBBC will launch its "Hear My Voice Outreach and Volunteer Training Program" in conjunction with the conference. A group of 25 women living with metastatic disease will be part of the training, designed to eliminate the isolation and misunderstanding that often surrounds a stage IV breast cancer diagnosis. Those accepted into the training will gain a better understanding of metastatic breast cancer, the information and resources available and ways to communicate and connect with similarly affected people. Attending the conference is part of the training curriculum.

"Attendees will have the opportunity to learn and ask questions about treatment options, quality of life concerns, current research and clinical trials," said Catherine L. Ormerod, MSS, MLSP, LBBC's Vice President of Programs and Partnerships. "Furthermore, conference attendees are provided with opportunities to meet, connect and interact with their peers throughout the weekend. To make sure that a person's economic situation is not a barrier, travel grants and fee waivers are available for those who qualify."

The conference would not be possible without the support of the event's presenting sponsor Susan G Komen�. Other event supporters include Amgen, Eisai, Genentech and Cancer Today Magazine. Featured speakers include Minetta C. Liu, MD Associate Professor, Department of Oncology Associate Professor, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology Chair, Oncology Research Mayo Clinic.

Dr. Liu is an expert in the care and treatment of women with breast cancer. She is involved in several groundbreaking clinical trials and correlative science projects through her investigator initiated studies and her participation in such key groups as the Translational Breast Cancer Research Consortium and the Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology.

For more information on the Hear My Voice Outreach Program and application, as well as information on the conference, call 855-807-6386 or visit lbbc.org