Cancer conference discusses survivorship program, resources

This year's Down East Living with Cancer Conference, held on October 3 at the Beth C. Wright Cancer Center in Baileyville, highlighted the vital importance of equitable access to care and the power of shared knowledge in the cancer journey.

With a theme of "The Informed Care Circle – Hope, Knowledge and Empowerment for All," the networking conference featured a keynote talk about the survivorship program at the Lafayette Center in Bangor. Hannah Livingston, FNP‑C, who started her career as a cardiac nurse at Eastern Maine Medical Center, never expected her career would include oncology. After losing her sister to breast cancer in 2023, she has been leading the survivorship program with empathy and passion.

"Survivorship is a new concept," says Livingston, and most times patients are confused about its meaning. People often have a misconception that it is a support group. Survivorship appointments are never held in a group setting; they are individualized sessions that focus on maintaining a healthy life after treatment and bridging the gap in oncology care. The program started in December of 2024.

The Beth C. Wright Cancer Center is collaborating with Northern Light Health to inform hospitals and primary care providers about the Cancer Survivorship Program as a suitable option for ongoing treatment. The program maintains Commission on Cancer accreditation and is covered by insurance with a medical referral.

Livingston says, "Survivorship is still being defined and continues to be molded by the emotional and physical elements a person endures."

The survivorship program currently has approximately 600 patients, with the majority from Penobscot County. However, patients also travel from as far as Fort Kent and Washington County. The program is an extension in oncology with an annual follow‑up appointment, analyzing what the body endured through cancer treatments, such as radiation or chemotherapy, where the cancer was in the body, the type of cancer and screening, such as genetic testing. A recent grant will provide opportunities for further growth, including expansions in psychological services, acupuncture, massage, resistance training and a new building.

Livingston says, "There is some evidence from many of my patients' blood pressures that there is some anxiety about coming into the same office where they received treatment, and now they get to go to a new building, which feels like they are graduating."

Resources available

A 2024 Maine Cancer Snapshot report by the Maine Cancer Registry states that communities in Washington, Penobscot and Hancock counties have higher overall cancer incidence rates compared to the state's rate, and Maine's cancer death rate is significantly higher than the U.S. rate. Factors contributing to cancer rates in Maine include environmental hazards like high radon and arsenic levels in well water and social determinants of health, such as limited access to healthcare.

Navigating the cancer diagnosis is a challenge. The October 3 conference in Baileyville provided much information, with a space for real conversations through a patient panel discussions and breakout sessions, while simultaneously holding times for reiki and massage.

The center is a valuable asset in connecting people with resources and information. Rural communities often face barriers to care, from geographic distance to limited access to specialists. The cancer centers are designed to offer information and resources, including transportation, lodging and gas, as well as connecting people with the appropriate resources.

The Beth C. Wright Cancer Center is a nonprofit located in Ellsworth and Baileyville. The center offers support, wellness groups, advocacy and education to patients, families and friends during the cancer diagnosis, treatment and/or remission process. Established in 2004, the center offers numerous resources including sewing groups, tai chi and reiki. Learn more at www.bethwrightcancercenter.org or email Angela Fochesato at angela@bethwrightcancercenter.org.