Banner Thunderbird Presents 'I Can Cope'

GLENDALE, Ariz. (Sept. 2, 2009) – Cancer diagnosis may be one of the most difficult things people face during their lifetime, whether it is personally or the diagnosis of a loved one. But Banner Thunderbird Medical Center has a program to help people cope with cancer and the issues surrounding it.

Non-profit Banner Thunderbird offers a support and education group called I Can Cope and the topic this month is "Understanding Cancer and Learning about Treatment." This month’s session will be held from 6:30-8:30 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 28 at Banner Thunderbird Medical Center.

The speakers this month are Dr. Amol Rakkar, medical oncologist and Dr. Thomas Canty, radiation oncologist. Both doctors will provide information about what cancer is, how it is diagnosed and what treatment options are available.

"I Can Cope" is a program developed by the American Cancer Society presented in partnership with Banner Thunderbird Medical Center. It provides education about cancer, treatment and coping skills for people with cancer and those who love and care for them. The knowledge and support gained from the sessions can help reduce the fear and anxiety that often occurs with a new cancer diagnosis.

This free program is offered every fourth Monday of the month from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. through November 2009 at Banner Thunderbird Medical Center in Conference Room 5, located in the lower level of the hospital near the cafeteria. The May session is offered on the third Monday due to Memorial Day. For more information or to RSVP for a session, contact Patti Jensen at (602) 865-5450.

Banner Thunderbird Medical Center is located at 5555 W. Thunderbird Road in Glendale.

About Banner Thunderbird Medical Center
Banner Thunderbird Medical Center, part of Banner Health—a nonprofit health system with 22 hospitals throughout the West—is a 409-bed acute-care hospital featuring a behavioral health center, children’s center and dedicated outpatient center.