Legal and Financial Challenges for Survivors

Click to view a recording of the lecture.

St. Luke's continued its Understanding Cancer: Survivorship Lecture Series this week with an informative lecture from Barbara Mitchell, JD and American Cancer Society volunteer. The 150 guests in attendance learned about the legal and financial challenges of cancer survivorship, and specifically, health care directives, wills and trusts, powers of attorney and disability. The lecture concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session between attendees and the speaker.

Mitchell said the legal and financial challenges faced by cancer survivors are very important, but often there is a lack of educational resources available to them. She went on to explain that education is key in tackling some of these issues. When someone is diagnosed with cancer, she advised:

• Identify a support group.
• Name a power of attorney.
• Communicate with human resources and review employee handbook.
• Know the Family Medical Leave Act requirements.

To teach people about cancer and survivorship, St. Luke's Regional Cancer Center is hosting a quarterly Understanding Cancer: Survivorship Lecture Series for patients, family members and anyone interested in learning more about cancer and survivorship challenges. The next lecture will be held in February 2015. Contact Tina Roberts at 218.249.5468 or Tina.Roberts@slhduluth.com to be put on the mailing list to receive more information about the lecture series.

BELOW: Barbara Mitchell, JD and American Cancer Society volunteer, presents St. Luke's "Managing the Legal and Financial Issues of Cancer Survivorship" lecture.