Symposium connects breast cancer survivors

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) –On Saturday, a full-day symposium brought together breast cancer patients and survivors with health and wellness experts to provide valuable support and information. The event was held at the Burney Center at the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW), offering attendees the opportunity to learn about therapies and self-care practices that could help them through their treatment journey.

The symposium, titled R.E.A.C.H Survivor’s Symposium, aimed to create a space where survivors could connect with one another while learning about ways to improve their physical and emotional well-being. The day featured various panel discussions focused on wellness, with experts sharing tips and advice on how to enhance health during and after cancer treatment.

One of the keynote speakers, Amy Gordon, emphasized the importance of creating a healthier environment in our daily lives. She discussed how even small changes to the products we use on our bodies and in our homes can have a significant impact on overall well-being. Gordon also highlighted specific items in self-care routines that may contain harmful toxins, which could potentially have negative effects on health.

“The stuff we keep on our body is super important. Deodorant, I would say, is my number one. Breast cancer is often not found in the breast; it’s found in that quadrant (armpit), so let’s make sure,” Gordon said.

The symposium concluded with an interactive session where attendees could explore various therapies to find what works best for their individual lifestyles. Offerings included scar therapy, mindfulness meditation, and lymphatic massages, giving participants a chance to experience firsthand the treatments that could help enhance their recovery and well-being.