UCF host All-Ireland Lymphoma Conference

Leading consultants in lymphoma will be speaking about advances in the treatment of the disease at an all-Ireland conference organised by the Ulster Cancer Foundation (UCF).

The one day event, which is aimed at cancer patients, their friends and families, carers and health professionals, will be held on Saturday October 7 at Ulster Cancer Foundation, 40-44 Eglantine Avenue, Belfast.

Lymphomas are cancers of the lymphatic system, part of the circulatory system.

There are two basic types of lymphomas – Hodgkin’s lymphoma and Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Approximately 300 people each year in Northern Ireland are diagnosed with either form of the disease.

Arlene Spiers, Chief Executive, UCF said: “We are delighted to have Dr Philip Burnside, consultant haematologist at Antrim Area Hospital and Dr Tom Lynch, consultant radiologist, Belfast City Hospital as our keynote speakers. They will discuss advances in the treatment of the disease and the use of PET scanning in lymphoma.

“After each of their presentations there will be a question and answer session, which always proves to be immensely popular. Patients and their families will have an opportunity to discuss the various stages of treatment in an informal environment, drawing on the expertise and experience of both Dr Burnside and Dr Lynch.”

She added: “We will also be highlighting UCF’s new service offering - Art Therapy. This is a therapeutic technique that uses a range of materials for self-expression and reflection in the presence of a trained art therapist. Art therapy is available to cancer patients, their family and friends and it does not require any previous experience or skill in art. We are the only cancer charity in Northern Ireland to employ an art therapist - Mari Flannery, who will introduce the concept of art therapy and explain its benefits as an aid to relaxation, managing stress and processing difficult emotions – all of which assist in leading to a greater sense of well-being.”

The lymphoma conference starts at 10.00am - 3.30pm and lunch is provided.

The event is free of charge and anyone wishing to attend should register with Eileen Creery at UCF, Tel. 028 9066 3281 or call the UCF Helpline on 0800 783 3339.

(EF/SP)