Breast Cancer Coalition Presents 22nd Annual Cindy L. Dertinger Advanced Breast and Gynecologic Cancer Webinar Series
Rochester, NY – The Breast Cancer Coalition is pleased to present the 22nd Annual Cindy L. Dertinger Advanced Breast and Gynecologic Cancer Webinar Series, taking place throughout the month of October. The series is free of charge and open to the public. While 2025 marks the twenty-second anniversary of hosting this series, in an effort to best serve the Coalition’s community, this year’s presentations will focus on both breast and gynecologic cancers in advanced stages.
The webinars are highly informative for those living with advanced breast or gynecologic cancer (or other advanced cancers), their caregivers, medical professionals, and any community members who are looking to expand their knowledge. This series is dedicated in memory of Cindy L. Dertinger, a beloved friend of the Coalition, who died of metastatic (advanced) breast cancer in March 2003.
“The Advanced Breast and Gynecologic Cancer Webinar Series has become a cornerstone of the Coalition’s work, offering local provider-led education and empowering conversations that address the most poignant needs of our community,” shares Christina Thompson, Executive Director. “Its legacy reflects our commitment to ensuring those living with metastatic cancers and their loved ones have access to knowledge, support, and hope.”
Webinars will take place weekly on Wednesdays from 12:00 – 1:00 PM. Topics include:
- October 1 – Pain Beyond the Physical: Managing Total Pain
- October 8 – Somatic Preparation for Routine Testing
- October 15 – Healing with Psychedelics: A Path to Wellbeing
- October 29 – Navigating Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in Cancer Survivorship
Denzil Harris, MD, will facilitate the first webinar presentation on October 1. Pain Beyond the Physical: Managing Total Pain will focus on how palliative medicine considers total pain, to include physical, emotional, social, and spiritual pain.
“For those with serious illness, especially cancer, the physical pains of disease are the primary stressors leading individuals to seek clinical advice and treatment,” reports Dr. Harris. “However, physical pain often does not exist in isolation and can be amplified in the presence of other distressing factors. Using the concept of ‘total pain’ originally defined by Dame Cicely Saunders, we will explore how psychological, social, and spiritual ‘pains’ play a meaningful role in the care of those with advanced cancer.”
The Advanced Breast and Gynecologic Cancer Webinar Series is free of charge and is generously supported by M&T Bank. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and get answers on the spot. Register today for one or all of the webinars at bccr.org. ASL interpretation is available upon request. Contact the Coalition with questions at (585) 473-8177 or email Rachel Rosen Simpson, Program Manager, at rachel@bccr.org.