OABC Lunch and Learn Educational Series
Join us monthly for a series of virtual educational sessions presented by Dana-Farber faculty and clinicians, designed for older adults with breast cancer and their loved ones. All are welcome. Please pre-register for each session separately using the links below.
Breast Cancer Genetics: What Does it Mean for Me?
Thursday, December 18 | Noon - 1 p.m.
With Helen Dellas, Cancer Genetic Counselor
Wondering if genetic testing is right for you? Join cancer genetic counselor Helen Dellas, MS, LGC, to learn about hereditary breast cancer, who may benefit from genetic testing, and how genetic testing results may help guide medical care for you and your family members.
Mental Health Matters: Dealing with Stress and Anxiety Related to Cancer
Thursday, January 22 | Noon - 1 p.m.
With Jess Mosey, LICSW
Join clinical social worker Jess Mosey, LICSW, for a thoughtful discussion on the unique emotional challenges faced by older adults during breast cancer diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship. Together, we will share coping strategies, helpful resources, and ways to manage stress and anxiety, all aimed at supporting your overall well-being.
New Developments in Breast Cancer Research for Older Adults
Thursday, March 26 | Noon - 1 p.m.
With Rachel Freedman, MD, MPH
Join breast oncologist Rachel Freedman, MD, MPH, for an insightful session on the latest advancements in breast cancer research and clinical trials specifically relevant to older adults. Learn about clinical trials that may be of interest to you.
Side Effects of Breast Cancer Treatments and How to Manage Them
Thursday, April 16 | Noon - 1 p.m.
With Jennifer McKenna, NP
Join breast oncology specialist, Jennifer McKenna, NP, for an informative session on the common symptoms and side effects associated with breast cancer and its treatments. Jen will discuss the most effective strategies for managing these challenges, including both medical and non-medical approaches. She'll also share practical tips and insights that may help provide relief. Bring your questions and join an interactive Q&A after the presentation.
Bone Health for Independence: Building Strength and Staying Active
Thursday, May 28 | 1 - 2 p.m.
With Sharon Chou, MD
Join endocrinologist Sharon Chou, MD, for an engaging discussion on the importance of maintaining bone health as we age. Learn practical strategies to support your bone health through diet, exercise, supplements, medications, and an active lifestyle. Dr. Chou will also explore how breast cancer treatments may increase the risk of bone loss and fractures, along with steps you can take to reduce these risks and protect your bones. Get inspired to incorporate new habits into your daily and weekly routines!
Cultivate Calm: Mindfulness and Tai Chi Practices for Body, Mind, and Spirit
Thursday, June 25 | Noon - 1 p.m.
With Megan Carleton and Ramel Rones
Join Dana-Farber’s Zakim Center for Integrative Therapies and Healthy Living as we explore techniques and resources to help ease stress, reduce anxiety, and promote relaxation and well-being. Megan Carleton, program manager for Expressive Therapy and Mindful Practices, and Ramel "Rami" Rones, Tai Chi Master, will guide us through mindfulness and Tai Chi practices for the mind and body. They’ll also introduce the new online Cultivate Calm Toolkit for patients and families. Together, we’ll practice simple strategies to help you create your own personalized plan for cultivating calm in your daily life.
View recordings of prior events and other educational videos
OABC Coffee Hour: Virtual Support Groups for Older Adults With Breast Cancer
We offer monthly, virtual drop-in support groups for older Dana-Farber patients with breast cancer to share experiences, resources, support, and friendship. Please note that you must be a Dana-Farber patient to attend these sessions.
We offer separate groups for patients living with metastatic breast cancer and for patients with early stage breast cancer. If you aren't sure which group is right for you, we can help! All sessions are held virtually over Zoom.
Metastatic Breast Cancer: First Wednesday of the month, 10 - 11 a.m. ET and third Tuesday of the month, 2 - 3 p.m. ET
Early Stage Breast Cancer: Second Wednesday of the month, 10 - 11 a.m. ET
Coffee Hours are facilitated by a licensed clinical social worker (LICSW) from Dana-Farber's Breast Oncology Center. A Zoom link is emailed to participants the day before each session, and assistance with Zoom is available upon request. Come just once or every month – we would love to have you join us!
Sign up here to be added to the Coffee Hour email list.
For more information, please contact us at 617-632-4300 or oabc@dfci.harvard.edu.
Age-Related Health Concerns
When facing a cancer diagnosis, it can be tempting to prioritize treating your cancer and push other health concerns to the back of your mind. However, the success of your cancer treatment depends partly on your overall health. For many older patients, the issues and challenges associated with the disease are quite different from those that affect younger patients.
The program staff includes breast cancer experts who understand the concerns of older people who are more likely to have other health conditions that can complicate their treatment for breast cancer including:
- Bone health: Some cancer treatments may affect the bones. This can be concerning for older adults who may already be at risk for osteopenia and osteoporosis.
- Heart health and blood pressure: Some cancer treatments can affect the heart and/or blood pressure. This is often more of a concern for older adults, who may already have a higher risk of these conditions.
- Memory: Problems may include memory loss, difficulty remembering things (such as medications or doctor appointments), and confusion.
- Nutritional needs: Eating a healthy diet is very important to help ensure that your cancer treatment is as effective as possible. This is true for everyone but especially so for older adults who may face other challenges such as diabetes or heart disease.
- Activity and exercise: Regular physical activity is an important way to reduce fatigue caused by cancer treatment, maintain your strength, and improve your overall quality of life.
There are additional tools and resources patients and caregivers can explore on their own, which are related to considerations for older adults:
- The Cancer and Aging Research Group (CARG) offers a geriatric assessment tool, as well as a litany of resources for older adults on topics including emotional support, nutrition, memory, and living and care options.
- Cancer.org is a patient information website developed by the American Cancer Society to provide timely, oncologist-approved information for patients and their families.