Sharsheret To Present Free National Teleconference Let’s Get Personal: Intimacy And Sexuality After Breast Cancer
Teaneck, New Jersey (October 1, 2007) — Sharsheret, a national not-for-profit organization supporting young Jewish women facing breast cancer, will present a free national teleconference, “Let’s Get Personal: Intimacy And Sexuality After Breast Cancer,” Tuesday, November 6, 2007, 8:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. (EST). A written transcript of the teleconference will be posted online after the event at www.sharsheret.org.
Panelists Dr. Elizabeth Poynor (Gynecological Oncologist, private practice), Sage Bolte (Social Worker, Inova Cancer Services) and Rachi Lerner (Psychotherapist, private practice) will discuss the sexual side effects of breast cancer treatment and address concerns about interpersonal relationships affected by breast cancer, including religious and spiritual considerations. All teleconference participants will remain anonymous.
“Talking about intimacy and sexuality is not easy. Some women may find it difficult to discuss concerns with their partners, close friends, and even their treatment team,” said Sharsheret Clinical Supervisor Shera Dubitsky. “This teleconference is designed to explore these topics in a sensitive and confidential forum.”
About Sharsheret
Since the organization’s founding in 2001, Sharsheret has received over 13,000 phone calls from those affected by breast cancer, health care professionals, women’s organizations, Jewish organizations, and others interested in learning more about the important services Sharsheret provides nationwide.
Sharsheret has developed three core programs in response to the needs of young Jewish women facing breast cancer: The Link Program, a peer support network connecting young women newly diagnosed or at high risk of developing breast cancer with others who share similar diagnoses and experiences by telephone and online on the Sharsheret Forum; Education and Outreach Programs, including health care symposia addressing the concerns of Jewish women and younger women facing breast cancer, Sharsheret Supports, a national model for local support groups, and Family Focus, a program for caregivers and family members; and Quality of Life Programs, including the Busy Box for children with a parent facing breast cancer, Best Face Forward to address the cosmetic side effects of treatment, Empower, for single women facing breast cancer, and Embrace, a support program for women living with advanced breast cancer.
To read the complete teleconference transcript, click here.