On Wednesday, November 2, nearly 300 people including cancer experts, reconstructive surgeons, researchers, nurses, breast cancer survivors and advocacy groups gathered at the sixth annual Long Island Plastic Surgical Group (LIPSG) Breast Cancer Summit at the Woodlands in Woodbury. The event is a free community service program that focuses on patient education, featuring an overview of the latest developments in breast cancer treatment, reconstruction, patient options and resources.
The keynote speech by Shannon Miller, 7-time Olympic Medalist, cancer survivor, author and philanthropist, had the audience rapt as she talked about the fear and debilitation that cancer can inflict on even the most fit and fine-tuned athlete – and the determination that she found to successfully battle the disease. Miller was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award for her continued dedication to empowering women through education and awareness.
Following a heartfelt welcome by Dr. Roger L. Simpson, President of LIPSG, attendees heard from Dr. Scot Bradley Glasberg, Past President of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, who spoke about the latest updates to the Breast Cancer Patient Education Act. Johanna Lee, EdD, RN, Breast Health Navigator at Winthrop University Hospital’s Breast Health Program provided valuable information about Clinical Trials and Dr. Thomas Davenport of LIPSG offered great insight into treatment options for lymphedema.
In an emotional and uplifting talk, breast cancer survivor Anne Hogan – now a volunteer with the Adelphi NY Statewide Breast Cancer Hotline & Support Program – spoke of learning about breast reconstruction options at the LIPSG Breast Cancer Summit many years after her treatment for breast cancer and the tremendously rewarding experience she had thanks to LIPSG surgeon Dr. Noël Natoli. And an enlightening panel discussion titled “Innovations in Breast Cancer Reconstruction” featured LIPSG surgeons Tommaso Addona, Barry K. Douglas, Michael Dobryansky and Matthew S. Kilgo. The event was live-streamed for those who could not attend the event in person, and an edited replay is currently available on BreastCancerSummit.com.
For information about the annual Breast Cancer Summit, follow the event page on Facebook.
More photos from the event can be viewed HERE.
Click HERE to view a clip from Fios1.
*Photo credit: Lawrence Eisner
