Ezer Mizion's "New Beginning" Cancer Survivors Clinic held a half-day seminar at the clinic in Petach Tikvah, for people who have recovered from hematological cancer (lymphoma, leukemia or MDS).

The seminar was coordinated as part of the New Beginning Clinic's program to provide information, guidance and resources to cancer survivors facing the challenge of resuming normal life. The line-up of prominent speakers at the seminar addressed some of the questions most pressing for cancer survivors at this junction in their lives.

Opening words were offered by Dr. Bracha Zisser, director of  Ezer Mizion's international Bone Marrow Donor Registry, its Oranit Cancer Patient Guest Home and the New Beginning Cancer Survivor's Clinic. 

The first speaker, Dr. Yitzchak Gur, Medical Director at the Clinic, addressed the topic of alternative treatments for cancer survivors from the viewpoint of the scientific community. Professor Yehoshua Dore, head of the Fertility and In-vitro Fertilization Unit at the Sheba Hospital in Tel Hashomer, discussed the sensitive subject of preserving fertility in cancer survivors.

A break for light refreshments allowed participants time to mingle and interact with other people who share their challenges - an emotionally empowering experience in itself.

After the recess, the program resumed, with Ms. Natalie Melamed-Shimon, a specialist in medical psychology at the New Beginning Center, who addressed the issue of chronic fatigue in patients convalescing from hematological cancer. Ms. Melamed Shimon explained the medical background for the phenomenon and also suggested a number of coping tools.

The final lecture was brilliantly delivered by Dr. Tzachi Benzion, head psychiatrist and director of Leumit Health Services' Sexual Health Unit, and focused on the survivors' interpersonal and intimate relationships and the crucial role they plays in recovery and wellbeing.

Similar future events geared at other specific groups within the cancer survivor community are being planned.