Cancer patients and their caregivers will have an opportunity to hear about cutting-edge treatment through collaboration between UNC Lenoir Health Care – our local hospital – and the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center.

“Cancer Conversations” is a monthly education program providing the latest information on cancer risk, early detection, treatment, and survival. The program is free and open to the public. 

“Whether a person is concerned about the risk for developing cancer or trying to stay well after treatment, ‘Cancer Conversations’ was created to provide answers in language that is easy to understand,” said Meagan Evans of UNC Lenoir Cancer Care, located at 703 Doctors Drive in Kinston.

The meeting on January 25 will take place from 12 p.m. until 1 p.m. in the Oxford Room at UNC Lenoir Health Care. Lunch will be provided for those who register by calling 252-522-7051.

The topic of the discussion/presentation will be “Using your Immune System to Fight Cancer: Immunotherapy Facts.”

“Immunotherapy is an intriguing new therapy in the field of oncology. We will be hearing from the experts about how this new type of therapy uses an individual’s immune system to fight cancer,” Ms. Evans said.

“Here at the UNC Lenoir Health Care Cancer Center, we work closely with UNC Lineberger Cancer Center in Chapel Hill. Through Lineberger, we are able to offer many different programs and outreach events right here in Kinston.”

Of course, for the partnership between UNC Lenoir Health Care Cancer Center and UNC Lineberger Cancer Center to work, one more partner must be added – members of this community.

“We invite all individuals in the community, whether patients, caregivers, or those just interested in learning more about oncology, to come to UNC Lenoir Health Care and hear from experts in the field of oncology about different topics such as nutrition, genetics, and Advance Care Planning,” Ms. Evans added.

The webinars stream live from Chapel Hill. All webinars are “health-literate.” “Health-literate” means the presentations use language easy for those not in the medical field to understand. UNC Lenoir Health Care staff members will be present to answer any questions and facilitate discussion after the webinar.

The main goal is simple: provide relevant and current information based on sound medical research to assist those dealing with cancer so they are better equipped to fight this disease.

To register for the January 25 session of “Cancer Conversations,” call 252-522-7051. Remember: this session will take place in the Oxford Room at UNC Health Care at 100 Airport Road in Kinston, NC. Seating is limited, so secure your place early.

Mike Parker is a columnist for Neuse News. You can reach him at mparker16@gmail.com .