Cancer Focus Northern Ireland to host Laryngectomy Conference

The conference will take place on Wednesday 26th September at Cancer Focus,40/44 Eglantine Avenue,Belfast from 9.30am - 2.30pm.

Liz Atkinson, Head of Care Services at Cancer Focus said, “The conference will cover a wide range of topics of interest to those affected by laryngeal or throat cancer.  The focus will be on quality of life issues and the practical aspects of living with the disease.

“The conference promises to be an interesting and informative day for patients and carers alike.  Dr Dave Broker fromRoyalVictoriaHospitalwill be speaking about taking out the voicebox whilst Lorraine Ashcroft, a Physiotherapist at Belfast Trust will provide a practical demonstration of upper body exercises for head and neck patients.  Doreen Regan from Cancer Focus will highlight what to look for when shopping for healthy food and we will have updates on current product developments for the laryngectomy patient.

“Our Cancer Prevention Team will also provide short on-site health checks, on request, and our resident Beauty Therapist Fiona Barr who delivers our Beauty for Life service in association with Clarins will offer a limited number of slots for either make-up or nail file and polish during the event.  Preference will be given to patients and carers who have not already used our Beauty for Life service and you can register your interest on arrival.”

Cancer Focus provides a comprehensive range of support, information and services for people who are living with this condition including a laryngectomy support group which meets quarterly, counselling, free information and support helpline and a patient volunteer service – this involves those who have had a laryngectomy being specially trained to support and visit patients who are newly diagnosed and facing surgery.

The laryngectomy conference is provided free of charge to patients and their carers including a two-course lunch at the Malone Lodge Hotel. Health professionals can also attend for a fee of £20 which includes lunch. There are a limited number of places available and anyone wishing to attend should register with Eileen Creery at Cancer Focus on 028 9066 3281 or email [email protected] by Wednesday 19th September.

For more information on Cancer Focus click on www.cancerfocusni.org or follow us on Facebook or Twitter @CancerFocusNI

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For further information please contact:

Pauline Wylie, PR and Events Manager, Cancer Focus on

028 9066 3281 / 07810 371118

Or

Derval McVerry, PR and Events Officer, Cancer Focus on

028 9066 3281 / 07812 525531