On September 30, TargetCancer Foundation was pleased to host a Lunch and Learn Webinar in honor of Rare Cancer Day. Dr. Mina Nikanjam, an oncologist at University of California San Diego Health, and Dana Deighton, a rare cancer patient advocate and Director of Communications and Engagement at the Melanoma Research Alliance, joined TargetCancer Foundation President Kristen Palma for an important discussion entitled, Patients and Practitioners as Partners: Initial Steps for Navigating a Rare Cancer Diagnosis. During this conversation, the panelists focused on the ways that patients and their doctors can work together to navigate the unique challenges that come with a rare cancer diagnosis. They also discussed TCF’s new educational resource entitled ‘Initial Steps After Diagnosis’ to focus the conversation on four key steps to help guide patients and their caregivers after learning they have a rare cancer. These steps include:
- Get biomarker testing for your rare tumor.
- Seek a second opinion.
- Connect with an advocacy foundation that focuses on your type of cancer.
- Create a treatment roadmap.
The conversation is an important and practical tool for patients and their families and can be viewed on our YouTube channel. We encourage you to share this webinar with anyone who has recently received a rare cancer diagnosis. To find additional Rare Cancer Resources, including further details about the steps discussed in this webinar, please visit the Learn section of our website.