"Chicken Soup" Author Headlines Mayo Clinic Women's Cancer Event on Sept. 27

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

ROCHESTER, Minn. — Beverly Kirkhart, author of Chicken Soup for the Surviving Soul, will be the keynote speaker at the Mayo Clinic conference, Women's Cancers 2008: Merging Science and Care, on Saturday, Sept. 27.

The annual event offers patients, their families, the public and medical professionals the latest information on diagnosis, prevention and treatment of women's cancers. Sessions will be held from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in Phillips Hall, Siebens Building, 200 Second Ave. S.W.

Kirkhart, a breast cancer survivor, dealt with the loss of a business, bankruptcy and divorce in the aftermath of her breast cancer diagnosis. She will talk about turning setbacks into comebacks and how to use words to build empowerment.

Other speakers include Mayo Clinic Cancer Center physicians and researchers who will discuss:

• Viruses and vaccines for cancer prevention and treatment
• New approaches in radiation therapy
• Integrating holistic approaches with traditional medicine
• Advances in imaging technology
• Advances in the treatment of gynecologic cancers

At lunch, attendees can participate in moderated discussions on cancer and younger women, symptom management, nutrition and cancer recurrence.

On Friday, Sept. 26, Robert Diasio, M.D., Director, Mayo Clinic Cancer Center, will host a preconference reception from 6 to 8 p.m. at Rochester Marriott Hotel, 101 First Ave. S.W. At the reception, Mayo Clinic research studies related to women's cancers will be highlighted, and attendees will have the opportunity to talk informally with cancer researchers.

Conference registration fee is $25 until Sept. 6. Registration after Sept. 6 is $30. For more information or to register, call (507) 266-4886. The program is designed to meet continuing education guidelines for the Minnesota State Board of Nursing.

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