VANCOUVER, BC (November 9, 2019) – The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada (LLSC) will bring together leading experts, patients and survivors on Saturday, November 9th during a day-long conference. The National Leukemia Conference – first of its kind in Canada – will showcase the breadth and excellence of Canadian blood cancer research, and enhance patient involvement and education.
“Leukemia is one of the most common forms of blood cancers that affects Canadians of any age, yet, there are few opportunities for those patients to meet face-to-face and learn from experts about their disease,” explains Nadine Prevost, Director, Community Engagement at the LLSC. “Leukemia is a serious, life-threatening illness and in response, we hope that by organizing an annual conference, we can educate and empower patients to take charge of their health and wellbeing.”
The scientific director of the conference is Dr. Florian Kuchenbauer, clinical scientist at the Leukemia/BMT program of BC and Terry Fox lab of BC Cancer and Associate Professor in Medicine at University of British Columbia. Dr. Kuchenbauer will be joined by top experts in the field to discuss the latest developments in blood cancer research, clinical trial innovations and new treatment options for various forms of leukemia, including the groundbreaking CAR T-cell therapy. Patients will have an opportunity to have their questions answered by these healthcare professionals.
Space for the free event is limited to 180 people. For more information, visit our website.
About blood cancers and leukemia
There are 137 types of blood cancers and associated disorders that affect over 128,000 Canadians today, with over 22,000 cases of leukemia. Approximately 5,900 people (children, men, or women) were diagnosed with leukemia in 2016. For adults, the most common form of leukemia is acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) with a median age of diagnosis of 67 for AML and 71 for CLL. Leukemia is the most common form of cancer in children aged 0-14 affecting about 900 Canadian children each year.
About The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada is the single largest voluntary health agency dedicated to blood cancers in Canada. LLSC funds life-saving blood cancer research across the country, and provides free information and support services to patients and caregivers. Our mission is to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. To find out more visit www.llscanada.org
For personalized disease, treatment or support information, patients can contact our local support staff at 1-833-222-4884. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
For more information, contact:
Maja Begovic
Director, Marketing Communications
416-731-9338