Breast cancer news, general health focus of forum

The 20th Annual Coffee County Breast Cancer and Women’s Health Issues Forum will focus on changes in breast cancer and its treatment as well as information about other aspects of women’s health.

The forum, held by Coffee County Family Services, will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 30, at the Enterprise City Schools Service Center on Highway 84 next to Mitchell Nissan.

The list of speakers include Dr. Sam Sawyer with Sawyer Surgery Clinic, Dr. Mary Misischia with Southeast Alabama Medical Center, Dr. Hejal Patel with Enterprise Cancer Center, Dr. Charles A. Leath III of UAB’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynocology, Dr. Tyler Black with Digestive Health Specialists and Dr. Elisha Collins with Sawyer Surgery Clinic.

Sawyer will speak about the genetic aspects of breast cancer, how genetics relate to the four main types of breast cancer and the new molecular staging of breast cancer.

Following Sawyer’s segment, Misischia will further discuss the ways the four types of breast cancer are treated. She will focus much of her time on the triple negative type of breast cancer.

In addition to Misischia’s discussion of treatment, Patel will speak about changes in radiation treatment, including new methods and approaches to treating breast cancer with radiation.

Leath will follow with an overview of ovarian cancer and its treatments. He will also provide forum-goers with updates and news about ovarian cancer.

Black will then speak about common gastrointestinal issues that woman face. He will focus on those issues that women can take care of themselves as well as those that absolutely must visit a doctor to resolve.

Finally, Collins will close the event and speak about a unique topic to the forum: sexual harassment.

The event will be held from 8 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. The registration table opens at 7:15 a.m.

Entertainment will be provided, and door prizes will be given out throughout the event. Prizes have been donated by local businesses and organizations.

Lunch will be provided to those who attend. Continuing Education Units (CEUs) will also be available for nurses and social workers who attend.

Seats are still available but are filling up fast, according to CCFS Director Judy Crowley. The last day to register is Thursday, Oct. 24. Crowley said a waiting list will be made if seats fill up before the last day to register.

To register, call Coffee County Family Services at (334) 393-8538 or email at [email protected].