Wellness Community to host educational program on lymphoma

The Wellness Community Valley/Ventura will host an educational program, "Frankly Speaking About Lymphoma," at its offices, 530 Hampshire Road in Westlake Village.

This year’s program, which begins at 6 p.m. Thurs., Sept. 9, will focus on non-Hodgkins lymphoma (NHL), which is the fifth-leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S., and will provide valuable information about the latest treatment options.

"This program provides patients, their loved ones and medical personnel the opportunity to come together in a community environment to discuss all facets of non-Hodgkins lymphoma, from understanding the science behind the disease to the new therapies that can improve quality of life and possibly extend remission timelines," said Stephen Schuster, M.D., director of the lymphoma program at the University of Pennsylvania Medical Center. ‘"Frankly Speaking About Lymphoma’ is not just a one-time event. It’s a tool that individuals affected by NHL, or non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, can use through all aspects of disease management."

The program will feature Ann Mohrbacher, M.D., assistant professor of medicine at the University of Southern California School of Medicine’s Division of Hematology and affiliated with USC/Norris Cancer Center. She’ll discuss new and novel therapies in the treatment of non-Hodgkins lymphoma. Additionally, a cancer survivor will share insight into living well with lymphoma and its treatment.

"With an estimated 53,900 new cases of NHL diagnosed in 2003, and an estimated five-year survival rate of only 53 percent, we understand that individuals need helpful information," said Marty Nason, program director of the Wellness Community Valley/Ventura. "It’s important for us to reach out to people with cancer and their loved ones and remind them that they’re not alone in this fight. This program is designed to provide participants with the latest cancer information and available resources to help them make informed healthcare decisions."

Attendees will receive the second edition of the new "Frankly Speaking About Lymphoma" kit, which provides information about all lymphoma diseases, and recommendations for living with cancer. A light dinner will be served.

The event, in collaboration with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, is sponsored by an unrestricted educational grant from Glaxo-SmithKline Oncology and Corixa Corporation.

Reservations are required for the meeting, which is free.

For more information or to make a reservation, please call (805) 379-4777.