Sylvester Cancer Symposium Focuses on Survivorship
Survivors, caregivers, researchers and providers gathered to transform the future of cancer care at the 3rd Annual Sylvester Cancer Survivorship Symposium.
Thanks to significant advances in treatment, the focus of cancer conversations is increasingly shifting from “Will you live?” to “How will you live?”
Survivors, caregivers, researchers and providers now prioritize survivorship from the moment of diagnosis, tackling a wide range of challenges. At Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of UHealth – University of Miami Health System, patients benefit from a robust survivorship program aimed at helping them live longer, healthier lives.
More than 300 attendees gathered at the 3rd Annual Sylvester Cancer Survivorship Symposium, to exchange ideas, explore new opportunities and shape the future of survivorship care and research. The event was dedicated to improving the health and quality of life for cancer survivors beyond treatment.
Sessions Designed for Lasting Impact
Jessica MacIntyre, D.N.P., M.B.A., APRN, and Frank J. Penedo, Ph.D., crafted the agenda, which featured two concurrent sessions: one spotlighting the latest research for researchers and health care providers and the other equipping survivors and caregivers with essential post-diagnosis resources.
“This symposium provides a unique forum where we can highlight scientific discoveries that take place at the bench and in the clinics with our researchers and how we implement those discoveries at the patient level through our supportive care services to improve the lives of our survivors,” said Dr. Penedo, associate director of population sciences and director of Cancer Survivorship and Supportive Care at Sylvester.
“We’re empowering patients and providers with knowledge and resources so they understand what we do as a cancer survivorship program, where we’re going, and how they can collaborate with us to ensure we stay at the forefront of the latest advancements, treatments and innovations in survivorship care delivery,” added MacIntyre, executive director of Sylvester’s clinical operations. “It was inspiring to witness the enthusiasm of so many attendees dedicated to improving cancer survivorship care.”
Strengthening Support for Survivors and Caregivers
Survivors and caregivers shared insights during sessions on evidence-based programs in supportive care, exploring key areas like palliative medicine, psychosocial oncology and sexual health. They discussed navigating a cancer diagnosis, strengthening communication with loved ones and empowering patients to take charge of their health.
Bill Brummel, a 24-year cancer survivor, shared his powerful journey in a keynote about his award-winning documentary “Can You Hear My Voice?” a project he produced and directed after losing his voice box in 2016.
Responding to growing interest in men’s health, MacIntyre led a “Men Talk Cancer” panel featuring a male patient advocate, caregiver and Sylvester patient who shared their personal challenges.
“Men face unique societal pressures around masculinity, which can make it difficult to seek help,” said MacIntyre, underscoring the panel’s value in addressing these barriers and fostering better support for male patients.
The session concluded with networking and roundtable discussions, connecting attendees with Sylvester experts and nonprofit advocates. Participants left empowered, equipped with new knowledge and resources and feeling grounded in a supportive, engaged community.
Pioneering Research for Cancer Survivors
For clinicians, the symposium’s scientific track showcased leading-edge research and clinical care strategies for cancer survivors. They discussed lifestyle medicine, immunotherapies and assessing and managing toxicities, as well as survivorship and genitourinary cancers.
Tracy E. Crane, Ph.D., RDN, spoke about the benefits of providing high-risk individuals with personalized lifestyle strategies and support to reduce cancer risk.
“Individuals who have a history of cancer are at elevated risk for a second cancer,” explained Dr. Crane, director of lifestyle medicine, prevention and digital health and co-lead of the Cancer Control Program at Sylvester. “Evidence suggests that modifiable behaviors, like regular exercise and following a healthy diet pattern, can attenuate overall cancer risk even in the presence of genetic mutations that increase a person’s risk for cancer.”
A Cancer Survivor’s Perspective
Debbie Denardi, a 14-year cancer survivor, shared her journey from diagnosis to advocacy, offering insights for both clinicians and patients. In 2010, after discovering a lump during a self-exam, testing revealed a BRCA1 genetic mutation. She was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer and endured multiple treatments and surgeries.
Today, she draws on her experience to help others by providing peer support for newly diagnosed patients and families, advocating for the Latin community and serving as a consumer reviewer for cancer research funding organizations. She also volunteers at Sylvester’s Genetic Predisposition Syndrome Clinic, where she and her family receive genetic counseling.
“Every cancer patient deserves access to the best care to support their unique journey,” said Denardi, who attended both sessions. “Symposiums like this are key to uniting patients and clinicians to shape the future of cancer care and drive better outcomes.”
Tags: cancer survivorship, Cancer Survivorship Program, Cancer Survivorship Symposium, Dr. Frank Penedo, Jessica MacIntyre, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center