AMARILLO, TEXAS -- Cancer is something that affects many people around the world and the Panhandle. According to the American Cancer Society almost 1.2 million people were diagnosed with some form of cancer in 2009. One out of two men have a chance of developing cancer, the most common is prostate. While chances for women are 1 in 3 with breast cancer in front.
It's because of those numbers, the American Cancer Society and Texas Oncology are teaming up for something special. The two are offering a series of educational classes and support for Panhandle people battling the disease. This is the second year for "I Can Cope" classes. Designed to offer support and education to both cancer patients and their family and friends.
The classes begin Thursday, September 2nd at 6:00 p.m. at the Texas Oncology Centers waiting room and will continue until September 23rd. The classes are free and offer patients a chance to talk with doctors, nurses, and other health care professionals about their diagnosis and also give them a chance to talk with those going through a similar situation.
"It's really helpful they connect because they're diagnosed and it's kind of like what do I do now, and this process helps them through their coping with the cancer and their family you know with different resources in the area," said Terri Prescott, Community Manager of the American Cancer Society.
Prescott adds, "It's a great support group for cancer patients and their families as they go through their cancer process they talk about after diagnosis the different treatments options, nutrition, fitness, physical activity, and things like that."
The classes are free but you do need to pre-register. You can call Texas Oncology at 358-8654.
