Annual Lecture Focuses on Latest in Breast Cancer Treatment

Caregivers, patients and professionals are invited to attend the annual Elsa U. Pardee Memorial Cancer Lecture. This year’s topic is a breast cancer update including the newest advancements in the treatment of breast cancer. Attendees will receive a complete picture of the journey of breast cancer patients and their caregivers – beginning with diagnosis, through treatment and into recovery.

Hosted by MidMichigan Medical Center–Midland, the lecture will take place at 6 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 16, in the Towsley Auditorium, located in the lower level of MidMichigan Medical Offices–Midland, on the campus of the Medical Center. The program is free and open to the public.

Lisa Newman, M.D. Surgical Oncologist & Professor of Surgery, University of Michigan

During the lecture, Lisa Newman, M.D., a surgical oncologist and professor of surgery from the University of Michigan, will fill in the gaps between breast cancer risk, diagnosis and treatment outcomes. Dr. Newman will share her research which is focused on ethnicity-related variations in breast cancer risk and outcome and the evaluation and management of high-risk patients. Dr. Newman is in leadership positions for several academic associations dedicated to cancer research and belongs to a number of breast cancer advocacy groups.

Joining Dr. Newman will be Breast Health Nurse Navigator Jessica Fodrocy, R.N., B.S.N., C.B.P.N.-I.C., and Michigan Author Suzy Farbman. Fodrocy will describe how women diagnosed with breast cancer are guided through treatment by an innovative navigation program at the Medical Center in Midland.

Jessica Fodrocy, R.N., B.S.N., C.B.P.N.-I.C.

Farbman will share her story of dealing with a life-threatening medical crisis. Diagnosed with stage four cancer in 2004, she underwent a rigorous eight-month medical protocol. During her treatment, a number of remarkable coincidences occurred. Suzy came to see these phenomena as, and calls them, “Godsigns.”

Each year, The Elsa U. Pardee Foundation, established in 1944, sponsors an annual lecture of oncology topics for the public. The Elsa U. Pardee Foundation promotes the control and cure of cancer. It has been instrumental in developing the MidMichigan Oncology Services program, as well as supporting this annual lecture.

The first 100 attendees to the event will receive a free copy of Farbman’s book, “Godsigns: Health, Hope and Miracles, My Journey to Recovery.” Those interested in more information or in making a reservation for the lecture, may call MidMichigan Health Line at (989) 837-9090 in Midland or (800) 999-3199. Those who would like more information on MidMichigan’s oncology services may visit www.midmichigan.org/cancer.