To Life! 10th Annual Women's Health Conference Series: Session 1 Breast Cancer and the Immune System

To Life! presents the 10th Annual Women’s Health Conference, comprised of six one-hour programs. All portions of the conference are free of charge, but advance registration is required for each of the six programs.

The series begins on October 20th, ends on January 26th. The conference features topics relevant to survivors and thrivers from active treatment on, presented by subject experts serving the Greater Capital District. We invite breast cancer survivors, thrivers, family members, caretakers and medical professionals to attend. You are encouraged to participate in all six sessions, but it’s not mandatory.


Tuesday, October 20, 2020, 9:00-10:00AM: Breast Cancer and the Immune System
Alan Sanders, MD, will address the immune system and immune deficiency and compromise as related to breast cancer patients short-term and long term. Dr. Sanders will also touch on breast cancer patient concerns regarding COVID-19 vulnerability. There will be a Q&A at the close of his presentation.

Alan M. Sanders, MD, is the Chief Medical Officer, Acute Care, at St. Peter’ s Health Partners and a Clinical Instructor in Medicine/Infectious Diseases at Albany Medical College. 


Tuesday, November 10, 2020, 9:00-10:00 AM: Sexual Self-Esteem, Intimacy and Breast Cancer
Bridget Finn, PhD, will speak about strengthening and rebuilding sexual self-esteem and sexual and intimate relationships during and after breast cancer treatment. This workshop is for female breast cancer survivors, single and partnered. There will be a Q&A at the close of her presentation.

Bridget M. Finn, PhD, Founder and President of the Capital Region Center for Sexual Health, has over 30 years of experience as a sexual health expert, sex therapist, educator, researcher, and author


Wednesday, December 2, 2020, 2:00-3:00 PM: Cardiac Health and Breast Cancer (Note this program is at 2:00 PM)
Heather Stahura, MD, will speak about the impact of breast cancer and treatment on cardiac health and ways to mitigate and monitor this impact. There will be a Q&A at the close of her presentation.

Heather Stahura, FACC, is a cardiologist at Capital Cardiology Associates and is spearheading the cardio-oncology team consisting of physicians, clinicians and medical staff in the Capital Region. 


Thursday, December 17, 2020, 9:00-10:00 AM: The Effects of Breast Cancer and Treatment on Bone Health 
Mary Pat Roy, MD, will speak about the impact breast cancer treatment has on bone health and how to monitor and mitigate this impact. There will be a Q&A at the close of her presentation.

Mary P. Roy, MD, is an endocrinologist affiliated with Albany Stratton Veterans Affairs Medical Center. 


Tuesday, January 12, 2021, 9:00-10:00 AM: Cognitive Health and Breast Cancer Treatment
Jennifer Bremser, C.A.S., PhD, will present on the impact breast cancer treatment, including endocrine therapy, can have on cognitive health and processes. There will be a Q&A at the close of her presentation.

Jennifer Bremser is an Associate Professor of Psychology/Neuroscience, at SUNY Plattsburgh at Queensbury


Tuesday, January 26, 2021, 9:00-10:00 AM: Metastatic and Complex Breast Cancer Diagnoses 
Ajaz Khan, MD, will speak on the topic of newer treatments for metastatic and more complex breast cancer diagnoses. There will be a Q&A at the close of his presentation.

Ajaz Khan, MD, M.B.A., is the Medical Director for Medical Oncology at St. Peter’s Medical Oncology – Hematology, a practice of St. Peter’s Health Partners Medical Associates.