French Hospital Medical Center’s (FHMC) Hearst Cancer Resource Center invites all community members to attend a free educational forum titled, “Clinical Trials: Improving Care for People Living with Cancer” on Monday, August 20, 2012, between 6 and 8 p.m. in the FHMC Auditorium, 1911 Johnson Avenue, San Luis Obispo.
At the community seminar, event attendees will learn about what clinical trials are, their importance, stages of clinical studies, current trials available in San Luis Obispo County and how to determine if a clinical trial offering is right for you or a loved one.
“Clinical trials are the way in which new and more effective cancer treatments are evaluated and proven successful,” says Beverly Kirkhart, Hearst Cancer Resource Center Director. “If a new treatment is proven effective in a clinical trial and benefits participants it has the potential to become a new standard of care that may help others with cancer.”
The free community seminar will be presented by Brian DiCarlo, M.D., a Board Certified and Fellowship Trained Oncologist and Hematologist. Dr. DiCarlo received his medical degree from State University of New York Downstate College of Medicine. He then went on to complete his internal medicine residency and fellowship training through Weill Cornell Medical College at New York Presbyterian Hospital. As an associate of San Luis Obispo’s Coastal Integrative Cancer Care, Dr. DiCarlo treats those with cancer and hematology disorders.
“Due to the great deal of progress made through clinical trials, many people with cancer are now living longer,” explains Dr. DiCarlo. “There are many reasons why people take part in clinical trials, but through participating, patients can potentially help themselves in the present and others in the future. This seminar will answer any and all questions that community members may have regarding clinical trials and their purpose.”
A light meal will be provided to all attendees. To attend “Clinical Trials: Improving Care for People Living with Cancer” or for more information, please contact FHMC’s Hearst Cancer Resource Center at (805) 542-6234.
