Wamkelekile e Afrika
You are welcome in Africa

Together We Reach

The Reach to Recovery International Breast Cancer Support Conference will be held in Africa for the first time from 20-22 March 2013 in Cape Town, South Africa.

The theme of the conference is Together We Reach and we will be looking at breast cancer from the perspectives of the patient (both the newly diagnosed and those with metastatic spread), the survivor, the partner, the family, the community, the breast cancer activist and the health professional. We will reach together to improve the quality of life for women and men with breast cancer.

This conference will appeal to women and men across the world. Together we will Reach for:

  • A better knowledge of breast cancer
  • A better understanding of the needs of low-resourced areas
  • Improved service delivery and support for patients, survivors and families
  • Sustainable solutions that can be used across borders
  • Increased networking opportunities to facilitate skills and knowledge transfer
  • Empowered survivors who are advocates for their rights

Pre-conference activities include workshops designed for breast cancer health workers and also conference delegates. There will also be time to enjoy one another's company and to experience the beauty of Cape Town at this truly memorable African event!

In the words of Nelson Mandela: "Few places in the world offer you the special hospitality for which the South Africans have become famous – we invite you with open arms to our wonderful country, and our continent."

Message from the President of Reach to Recovery International - Ann Steyn

The 17th Reach to Recovery International Breast Cancer Support Conference is only a year away and it gives me great pleasure to invite you all to the first RRI Conference in Africa!

The Reach to Recovery programme is found globally and so previous conferences have been held in various cities and continents: - but never on the continent of Africa.

The conference, to be held in Cape Town March 20th-22nd, has a varied and interesting programme. Delegates will have the opportunity of listening to international speakers renowned in their subjects. There will be workshops not just pre-conference but also as alternative choices during the conference. These workshops will allow delegates to improve their skills base on a variety of topics such as Advocacy for Volunteers, Health and the Media, Social Networks and Modern Technology. Concurrent sessions will include Metastatic Breast Cancer, Palliative Care, Developments in Research, Sexual and Reproductive Health Issues. There will be tracks for delegates to share their knowledge and opportunities for networking- always an important component of a RRI Conference. Of course an opening cocktail party and the Gala Dinner will add to the occasion!

Of particular interest to health professionals will be the 3 pre-conference workshops. We encourage nurses to enrol for the Breast Cancer Nursing Care and Lymphoedema, and Social Workers for Oncology Social Work. We hope that these professionals will then return to their countries not only enriched with knowledge but also with a better understanding of the role of the Reach to Recovery volunteer.

Despite an interesting and stimulating programme there will of course be time to explore beautiful Cape Town! Take the opportunity for shopping at the nearby Waterfront, a trip by cable car up Table Mountain, visit the world famous Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, or even a visit to a winery for wine tasting. There is plenty to interest everyone.

We would like to invite you to bring your families and enjoy a magical African holiday after the conference- make this a once in a life time experience!

Join us in Cape Town March 2013: you will be assured of a warm, friendly African welcome, and a conference of note!

TOGETHER WE REACH!

Ann Steyn

Message from the Chair of Reach to Recovery International - Professor Jeff Dunn

On behalf of Reach to Recovery International, I am delighted to invite you to the 17th Reach to Recovery International Breast Cancer Support Conference in South Africa in March 2013.

The conference promises to be a uniquely African event, drawing together women affected by breast cancer to build connections and inspire progress through new partnerships.

With an estimated 1.5 million women affected by breast cancer each year, the work of Reach to Recovery International has never been so important.

Reach to Recovery International is built on the simple yet universal principle: a woman who has lived through breast cancer and gives freely of her time to help another woman facing the same experience is a valuable source of support. Reach to Recovery International is committed to working to improve the quality of life for women with breast cancer and their families through a wide range of services offered worldwide.

The theme of the 2013 conference is 'Together We Reach', symbolising the power of our community to improve breast cancer services and support.

Please join us as we reach for new horizons in South Africa!

Professor Jeff Dunn
Chief Executive Officer
Cancer Council Queensland

Message from the President of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) - Dr Eduardo Cazap

The biennial Reach to Recovery International Breast Cancer Support Conference has become the world's foremost summit for women affected by breast cancer, enabling and empowering a globally connected community united in its quest to improve the support available for women affected by the disease.

On behalf of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), it gives me great pleasure to endorse the 17th Reach to Recovery International Breast Cancer Support Conference in South Africa from March 20-22, 2013.

The aims of Reach to Recovery International and the Conference are commendable. Through its worldwide community, RRI strives to assist breast cancer support groups with training and development, advocating for improved quality of life for breast cancer patients and their families, creating closer links and encouraging mutual sharing of information, fostering research activities and promoting the creation of new groups to improve breast cancer support globally.

Through this Conference, the Reach to Recovery International community makes a significant difference in the quality of life experienced by women facing breast cancer on all continents.

Under the theme 'Together We Reach', this special South African summit will provide fresh opportunities for collaboration among the breast cancer community, connecting women affected by breast cancer to a peer support network with global reach.

The UICC congratulates Reach for Recovery South Africa for their commitment to hosting this significant event - the first Reach to Recovery International Breast Cancer Support Conference to be held in South Africa.

I encourage you to register early to attend this important global summit.

Yours sincerely,

Dr Eduardo Cazap
President, Union for International Cancer Control (UICC)