The annual International Symposium on Malignant Mesothelioma is coming up — March 25-27, 2019, in Bethesda, MD.
This mesothelioma symposium brings together mesothelioma patients, their families, doctors, and scientists and allows the community to learn about the latest research from the individuals conducting it.
The Mesothelioma Symposium is an essential event for the research community and the families of those diagnosed with mesothelioma. It’s a time where research ideas are shared, new therapies are discussed, and families get to meet others facing a similar situation as them.
But the benefits of the Symposium don’t end there.
By having events like this, the wider public learns about mesothelioma, which can help boost funding for research programs. That, in turn, leads to the creation and discovery of new therapies or areas of research.
With this, the whole mesothelioma community can keep moving towards better, more effective treatments and, eventually, a cure.
About the International Symposium on Malignant Mesothelioma
The first International Symposium on Malignant Mesothelioma happened in 2004. Since then, the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation (MARF) has continued to run the symposium for the entire mesothelioma community.
Throughout the 3-day conference, patients, families, and caregivers come to Bethesda and learn about the latest cancer treatments available from top mesothelioma experts. And, they get to do this all in community with others who understand what they are going through.
Why Are Mesothelioma Events Helpful?
Events like the Symposium have so many different benefits for those who attend, regardless of whether or not they are a patient, a family member, or a clinician.
One major benefit of events like the International Symposium on Malignant Mesothelioma is that it raises awareness about mesothelioma, keeping this rare disease top-of-mind for people, including politicians, who can help increase funding for research.
Unlike breast cancer or prostate cancer — both well-known cancers with well-funded research programs — mesothelioma is rare. The amount of funding organizations like MARF receive is significantly less than the amount of funding given to breast or prostate cancer foundations.
The lack of funding makes conducting research into mesothelioma treatments more challenging.
Another benefit that the Symposium offers is the sense of community it creates for the families and patients suffering from mesothelioma. The Symposium provides a space for patients and families to celebrate survivors, comfort the bereaved, and stay informed about the latest research information.
Receiving a mesothelioma diagnosis can be a frightening and lonely time. However, attending the Symposium and being surrounded by others who are experiencing similar situations can be emotionally therapeutic.
This Year’s Symposium Speakers
One of the highlights of the Symposium is that patients and their families will be able to interact with mesothelioma specialists from across the country.
Often questions and discussions spill out from the session floor into private conversations on the sidelines. And that’s really the point of this event. We strive to facilitate direct lines of communications between physicians and patients. — Maja Belamaric, MARF Director of Communications.
Some of the physicians that the attendees will be able to speak with this year include Dr. Taylor Ripley from Baylor College of Medicine — who recently took over after Dr. Sugarbaker’s passing — Dr. Harvey Pass from New York University, and Dr. Hedy Kindler from the University of Chicago.
Attending the International Symposium on Malignant Mesothelioma
The International Symposium on Malignant Mesothelioma 2019 takes place March 25-27 at the Hyatt Regency in Bethesda, Maryland.
Those who are interested in attending the Mesothelioma Symposium can purchase tickets online through the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation.
While purchasing your tickets, you can also book your hotel room with the Symposium’s special room block rate.
