Throat Cancer Conference: Patients, Carers, Health Professionals Welcome

A conference held in Belfast this month will focus on throat and laryngeal cancer, for patients, carers and health professionals.

Cancer Focus Northern Ireland (formerly the Ulster Cancer Foundation) has organised the September 26 conference in association with the National Association of Laryngectomee Clubs.

Liz Atkinson of 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."

Dr Dave Broker from the Royal Victoria Hospital will address the conference about taking out the voicebox and Lorraine Ashcroft, a physiotherapist at Belfast Trust, will give a practical demonstration of upper body exercises for head and neck patients. There will also be nutrition advice, make-up and nail sessions and on-site health checks - the latter two must be booked in advance.

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

Cancer Focus provides a laryngectomy support group, counselling, a free information and support helpline and a patient volunteer service.

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 eileencreery@cancerfocusni.org by Wednesday 19th September.

(NE)