Cancer Support Community in Collaboration with the Center for Breast Health at Washington Hospital Center Hosts Free Frankly Speaking About Cancer: Spotlight on Breast Reconstruction Workshop on Thursday, November 10

WASHINGTON, Nov. 10, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Cancer Support Community in collaboration with Center for Breast Health at Washington Hospital Center is proud to host a workshop from the popular Frankly Speaking About Cancer national cancer education series. The workshop will address the topic of breast reconstruction options, featuring Washington Hospital Center plastic surgeon Susan E. Otero, MD, and a panel of breast cancer survivors. The event is free and open to breast cancer patients, their family and friends. It will be held on Thursday, November 10, 2011 from 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. at Washington Hospital Center located at 110 Irving St, Northwest, Washington, DC 20010.

According to a recent Cancer Support Community survey of 762 women with breast cancer who were eligible for breast reconstruction, 43 percent of patients do not receive information about reconstruction options when making treatment decisions at diagnosis.

"We are pleased to make this workshop available to our community to help ensure that women affected by breast cancer have access to the most up-to-date information about their reconstruction options following a cancer diagnosis, and the emotional and social support they need to manage the experience," said Kim Thiboldeaux, president and CEO of the Cancer Support Community.

Workshop attendees will receive an educational booklet, hear from a board certified plastic surgeon and have the unique opportunity to meet and connect with one another.  Additionally, a panel of breast cancer survivors will share its experience with the decision-making process involved in choosing whether or not to have breast reconstruction.

"Many women feel overwhelmed after a diagnosis with breast cancer and feel they need to make a decision quickly," said Susan E. Otero, MD, board-certified plastic surgeon, Washington Hospital Center. "It is important to evaluate all options and this workshop empowers women by providing the tools and resources needed to make an informed decision."

To register or for more information, call the Center for Breast Health at Washington Hospital Center at 202.877.9343.

About "Frankly Speaking About Cancer"

The Cancer Support Community's Frankly Speaking About Cancer educational series provides vital information, tools and confidence to empower people impacted by cancer. Covering a variety of cancer types and topics, this acclaimed series is available at no cost through educational booklets, professionally-led workshops, and an award-winning internet radio show. As part of their ongoing commitment to patient education, the Cancer Support Community recently developed Frankly Speaking About Cancer: Spotlight on Breast Reconstruction, made possible through a charitable contribution from Mentor Worldwide LLC. This comprehensive patient empowerment program aims to streamline information about breast reconstruction and provide useful tools to help women speak openly with their physicians about whether reconstruction is right for them.

About Cancer Support Community

The Cancer Support Community is an international non-profit dedicated to providing support, education and hope to people affected by cancer.  Likely the largest employer of psychosocial oncology mental health professionals in the United States, CSC offers a menu of personalized services and education for all people affected by cancer.  Its global network brings the highest quality cancer support to the millions of people touched by cancer.  These support services are available through a network of professionally-led community-based centers, hospitals, community oncology practices and online, so that no one has to face cancer alone.

In July 2009, The Wellness Community and Gilda's Club Worldwide joined forces to become the Cancer Support Community.  By helping to complete the cancer care plan, CSC optimizes patient care by providing essential, but often overlooked, services including support groups, counseling, education and healthy lifestyle programs. Today, CSC provides the highest quality emotional and social support through a network of more than 50 local affiliates, 100 satellite locations and online. To find a community-based center in your area, visit www.cancersupportcommunity.org.

About Washington Hospital Center

Washington Hospital Center is a 926-bed major teaching hospital and a proud member of the MedStar Health system. It is the largest private, not-for-profit hospital in the nation's capital, among the 50 largest hospitals in the nation and a major referral center for the most complex tertiary services. It consistently ranks among the nation's top hospitals as recognized in U.S. News & World Report. The Hospital Center is a national leader in cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and endocrinology, emergency medicine, women's services, trauma and burn care, and neurosciences. It operates MedSTAR, one of the country's top shock-trauma and medevac programs, and also operates the region's only adult burn center.

For more information, call 202.659.9709 or visit www.CancerSupportCommunity.org to access more detailed program information.

Maria Smith
Cancer Support Community
Manager, Communications Washington, DC
1050 17th St., Northwest, Suite 500
Washington, DC 20036
202.659.9709
[email protected]

SOURCE Cancer Support Community