Cancer Survivorship: Beyond the Physical Effects

When someone is initially diagnosed with cancer, their first thoughts are not only about the physical effects, but also the financial and legal issues, and sometimes these challenges become greater than the physical effects of the illness. St. Luke's Regional Cancer Center Social Worker Tina Roberts said, "I often hear survivors asking about unemployment, disability, and financial issues that arise with cancer. These are the topics that are rarely discussed, but they are so important to survivorship."

To help address these concerns, St. Luke's Regional Cancer Center is hosting its second quarterly lecture, Managing the Legal and Financial Issues of Cancer Survivorship, in the Understanding Cancer: Survivorship Lecture Series. The lecture will be held on Tuesday, September 16 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Marshall School auditorium, with a light dinner served at 5. Patients, family members and anyone interested in learning more about cancer and its effects are encouraged to attend.

Barbara A. Mitchell, Minnesota attorney and American Cancer Society volunteer, will be the speaker. She will discuss important legal and financial matters such as powers of attorney, health care directives, the Family and Medical Leave Act, short-term and long-term disability and much more. The lecture will be followed by a question-and-answer session.

Roberts explained that it is not only the survivor who faces legal and financial concerns, it is also the survivor's family. "Issues such as unemployment and disability have a direct impact on the survivor's family, and it's important for them to receive education on what resources are available to them and their family as they fight the disease together," Roberts said.

Roberts encourages people to attend the lecture to become more informed about cancer and the resources available to them. "Education is key, and this lecture is a great learning opportunity for survivors and their families," Roberts said.

There is no charge for the lecture, but registration is required. Call Tina Roberts at 218.249.5468 or email Tina.Roberts@slhduluth.com no later than September 10 to register.

BELOW: Tina Roberts, St. Luke's Regional Cancer Center social worker.