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Top Takeaways from the 2022 National Conference

Hope. Connection. Empowerment. Those words resonated with attendees during the 2022 National Conference — the country’s largest two-day educational meeting for brain tumor patients, survivors and caregivers.

Hundreds from around the country and world logged on Sept. 9 and 10 to hear the latest medical and surgical advances showing promise in brain tumor diagnosis, treatment, and care.

Attendees learned from nationally-recognized brain tumor experts — as well as each other. Conference sessions featured firsthand perspectives from patients and caregivers.

If you missed the conference or want to re-watch a session, recordings are available on YouTube.

What attendees said:

“There is hope on the horizon for people with brain tumors….”

“I appreciated the opportunities to connect with others who understand.”

“Information EMPOWERS patients and caregivers to make informed decisions about care.”

Top takeaways from the 2022 National Conference:

Awake Brain Mapping: Life-Changing

Awake brain mapping allows the surgical team to maximize safety while minimizing harm during tumor resection and the technique has been combined with new tools to identify residual tumor. Dr. Shawn Hervey-Jumper, MD, FAANS, of UCSF was joined by patient Liz Salmi to discuss the importance of patient-surgeon communication for aligning on surgical approach and quality of life expectations.

Watch session

Redefining Your Dreams After a Brain Tumor Diagnosis

Brain tumor survivor and NASCAR Team Owner Matt Tifft delivered this year’s keynote presentation on how his diagnosis pulled him off the track as a driver, but led him to find renewed purpose after surgery as NASCAR’s youngest team owner and advocate for the brain tumor community.

Watch session

Neuro-Imaging Advances: Promise For Better Treatment

Dr. Soonmee Cha, MD, of UCSF shared how advances in imaging techniques allow for non-invasive tumor assessment to better understand the complexities and guide treatment. Dr. Cha highlighted how imaging advances, along with molecular genetics and tailored therapy, show promise for improving patient outcomes.

Watch session

Micro-actions = Big Life

Brain tumor survivor Tom Fraser and his wife and caregiver Debbie continue to "roll with the punches” one day at a time. Fraser's Neuro-oncologist, Nimish Mohile, MD, shared how the Frasers' “micro-actions” and communication skills help them share their core values and achieve their larger goals. Dr. Jamie Jacobs, PhD, Massachusetts General Hospital, shared how caregivers can work on enhancing communication, self-care, and relaxation skills as coping strategies and ways to address their often-unmet needs.

Watch session

Jessie Schlacks

Jessie is Managing Editor of the bi-monthly e-newsletter MindMatters. Submit story ideas or questions to jschlacks@abta.org.

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