Wednesday, August 13, 2008

2008 international mesothelioma symposium provides support and education

June 26-28 saw the International Symposium on Malignant Mesothelioma at the Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill. The event was sponsored by The Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation, and attended by leading international experts on mesothelioma, as well as people affected by the disease. The Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation created the annual event to highlight the latest advances in research and treatment for mesothelioma, to provide support for patients, families, and caregivers, and provide advocacy and volunteer opportunities for those who wish to provide their own support. Chris Hahn, Executive Director of The Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation, said prior to the event that more than one hundred patients, family members, caregivers, advocates, researchers, and clinicians were expected to attend. The three-day program included daily meetings, seminars, and discussions as well as a gala dinner on the evening of Friday June 27. Day one of the symposium, on Thursday June 26, was advocacy day. The two focal points of these sessions were to highlight the need for legislation banning asbestos, and the need for more funding for mesothelioma research. Chris Hahn, Executive Director of the Meso Foundation, spoke about how people affected by mesothelioma can emphasize the need for funding and research by telling their own personal stories about their experiences with the disease. Day two, on Friday June 27, was designated as science day. These sessions included discussions by international mesothelioma experts about recent advances in mesothelioma research and treatment, as well as upcoming developments. Several international researchers spoke about recent advances in treatment, such as post-operative intraperitoneal chemotherapy, and about the challenges mesothelioma doctors are faced with when attempting to treat people with the disease. This day also gave patients, family members, and caregivers the chance to talk with specialists and experts. Day three, on Saturday June 28, was community day, and was devoted to the mesothelioma community of patients, family members, friends, and caregivers. Day three included support sessions for people coping with the effects of mesothelioma, and a tribute ceremony to memorialize people who have died from the disease. In addition, attendees discussed ways to increase public awareness of mesothelioma and asbestos. The closing sessions of the symposium was intended to remind people dealing with mesothelioma of the good that can be obtained when people work together to support one another in the face of dealing with the devastation that the disease causes. (Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News)

No comments: