Those looking for advice on breast cancer for themselves or looking for ways to support friends or family coping with the disease, can get advice from doctors, a mental health specialist, a registered dietician and other healthcare providers during an online Q&A session through West Virginia University Extension Service.

The Ask the Expert session will take place from 7–8 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 9 on Extension’s Facebook page. Look for the “Ready, Set, Ask,” image and type your question in the comments section below the photo.

The Q&A session is not meant to replace the advice or visit to a healthcare provider but could be beneficial for those looking for additional information or insight into the disease. According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women.

WVU’s Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center Specialists Ginger Layne, M.D., and Jessica Partin, M.D., will be available to answer general questions about diagnosis and treatment, as well as provide tips on identifying risks and when to seek medical advice.

Eric Murphy, WVU Extension Service Families and Health agent for Monongalia County and board certified counselor, can offer advice to patients coping with a diagnosis or to family or friends who are looking for ways to channel their support.

Shelly Dusic, a cancer survivor turned health information specialist for the West Virginia Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening Program will also participate. Dusic can discuss services provided by that program and share her experience and hope.

Sara Jane Gainor is the director of the Bonnie Wells Wilson Mobile Mammography Program (Bonnie’s Bus), and assistant director of Cancer Prevention and Control the Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center. She can answer questions about breast cancer screening services provided across the state through Bonnie’s Bus.

WVU Extension’s Family Nutrition Program Specialist Amy Gannon is a registered dietitian and breast cancer survivor. Gannon can speak to the importance of healthy eating during treatment and recipes that work well for upset stomachs. She can also provide information related to nutrition and survivorship.

Mary Lough of the American Cancer Society is an advocate for breast cancer awareness and provides outreach involving patient services, prevention and detection to decrease the burden of care for patients and caregivers.

For a complete list of the experts’ bios, visit bit.ly/BreastCancerBios.

Ask the Expert is a program of the WVU Extension Service that provides online, real-time advice in areas of health, wellness, youth development and more.

To learn more about breast cancer treatment and outreach in West Virginia, visit www.wvucancer.org.

To learn more about WVU Extension Service, visit ext.wvu.edu, or contact your local office of the WVU Extension Service.

-WVU-

ct/10/03/14

CONTACT: Cassie Thomas, WVU Extension Service
304.293.8735, Cassie.Thomas@mail.wvu.edu

Follow @WVUToday on Twitter.