“Researchers continue working on finding a cure and immuno-oncology appears to be a promising new approach,” VCU-CMH released in a statement recently. “In the meantime, people need to do what they can do now to prevent cancers from developing.”

“It may take up to 10 years or longer for some cancers to develop into a serious problem,” says Charlotte Litzenberg, coordinator at the Cancer Research and Resource Center of Southern Virginia located in Danville. “That amount of time can provide an incredible window of opportunity for medical providers to act and possibly save a life.  We need to educate people about the importance of prevention and the early detection of cancer.”

To address these points, representatives of Susan G. Komen Central Virginia, the Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation, PATHS (Piedmont Access to Health Services), and VCU Massey Cancer Center’s Cancer Research and Resource Centers of Southern Virginia, which are partially funded by the Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission, have been working with major state and local organizations and medical facilities to present a free continuing education program.

Act Today for More Tomorrows, a continuing education program for nurses and EMS, will take place on Saturday. National keynote speaker Barb Bancroft, RN, MSN, PNP, a Chicagoan with Virginia ties, will talk about breast and HPV/related cancers. She will be followed by a panel of local experts. Planners for Act Today for More Tomorrows hope to reach as many medical providers as possible in the south central area of Virginia with this information. Harnessing the power of the internet, they will deliver this free, high-quality, educational program (4.5 credit hours for nurses) live from Hampden-Sydney College in Farmville to five satellite sites, all dotting the Highway 58 corridor, which runs east-west along the southern border of Virginia. People will be able to view this program in Martinsville, Danville, South Boston, South Hill and Emporia, the release stated.

The general public is welcome to attend. For more information, call the Cancer Research and Resource Center of Southern Virginia at (434) 421-3060.