Prostate cancer symposium Saturday, Sept. 20, Latest Treatment Advancements: What you learn here could save your life

DETROIT, Aug. 28, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, in collaboration with Wayne State University School of Medicine (WSU SOM), will present the fourth annual Prostate Cancer Symposium, Latest Treatment Advancements: What you learn here could save your life, Saturday, Sept. 20, from 8 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History in Detroit. The symposium is free but registration is required before Sept. 20.

The symposium will focus on the latest research and treatment advancements for surviving prostate cancer, including proton beam therapy, cryotherapy, new FDA-approved drug therapies, research and clinical trials. Attendees will hear updates from several experts and have an opportunity to ask questions regarding treatment therapies and access to new therapies, participating in clinical trials, research progress and much more. There will also be a panel consisting of medical staff and prostate cancer survivors.

Symposium Course Director is Elisabeth Heath, M.D., FACP, director, Prostate Cancer Research at Karmanos Cancer Institute and professor of Oncology and Medicine at Wayne State University School of Medicine. She will be joined by several other experts, as well as prostate survivors. Keynote speaker is Rick Kittles, Ph. D., professor, Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, and director, Center for Population Genetics, University of Arizona. Dr. Kittles is well known for his research on prostate cancer and health disparities among African Americans. He has also been at the forefront of the development of ancestry-informative genetic markers, and the use of genetic ancestry to map genes for common traits and disease. His work has been featured in five PBS and BBC network documentaries related to human biological diversity, race and disease as well as on CNN and the CBS show 60 Minutes.

WHAT:           Fourth Annual Prostate Cancer Symposium
                      Latest Treatment Advancements: What you learn here could save your life.

WHEN:           Saturday, Sept. 20 
                      8 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Registration at 8 a.m. Sessions begin at 8:30 a.m. 

WHERE:         Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History 
                      315 East Warren Ave.
                      Detroit, Michigan 48201
                      Free valet or self-parking available.

WHY:             To help those diagnosed with prostate cancer, as well as those close to them, thrive in their survivorship; hear about the latest treatment advancements including access to clinical trials; ask questions of cancer experts; and be inspired and encouraged to live life to the fullest.  

COST:            FREE. The symposium and parking are free but registration is required. To confirm registration and see the full agenda, visit www.karmanos.org/prostatecancersymposium or call 1- 800-KARMANOS (1-800-527-6266.) Breakfast and lunch will be provided.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND:  
Those diagnosed with prostate cancer as well as their families, advocates and caregivers.          

During the symposium, the Karmanos Cancer Institute will recognize individuals and an organization/company with the Isaac J. Powell, M.D., Prostate Pioneer Achievement Award. This award recognizes a physician, community volunteer and/or prostate cancer advocate who continues to demonstrate outstanding leadership, commitment and compassion in their service to prostate cancer survivors while raising awareness of prostate health within the community. The award is named after Dr. Powell, professor in the Department of Urology at Karmanos and WSU SOM, who has dedicated his career to caring for patients and eliminating cancer disparities within the African American community.

To register for the Sept. 20 Prostate Cancer symposium visit www.karmanos.org/prostatecancersymposium or call 1-800-KARMANOS (1-800-527-6266.

About the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute
Located in mid-town Detroit, Michigan, the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, a subsidiary of McLaren Health Care, is one of 41 National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer centers in the United States. Karmanos is among the nation's best cancer centers. Through the commitment of 1,000 staff, including nearly 300 physicians and researchers on faculty at the Wayne State University School of Medicine, and supported by thousands of volunteer and financial donors, Karmanos strives to prevent, detect and eradicate all forms of cancer. Its long-term partnership with the WSU School of Medicine enhances the collaboration of critical research and academics related to cancer care. Gerold Bepler, M.D., Ph.D., is the Institute's president and chief executive officer. For more information call 1-800-KARMANOS or go to www.karmanos.org.  

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SOURCE Karmanos Cancer Institute