H3’s 5th Annual Open Panel Discussion about Cancer

Our first three open panel discussions covered topics including the increase in cancer diagnoses, raising awareness, and providing education on prevention, accessing conventional and alternative treatments, challenges related to interacting with the medical system, and the future of cancer care. As we mentioned during the second panel, “It begins with me”.

Our fourth and most recent panel discussion in 2020 focused on the impact of COVID-19 on cancer diagnosis and accessing treatment. As we continue to be impacted by the pandemic, H3 is preparing for our fifth open panel discussion on cancer and related challenges as we attempt to integrate back into our communities.

Regrettably, new, and potentially more dangerous, COVID variants are making us cautious about resuming our previous activities and fearful for our health.

For our 5th open panel discussion, we will focus on the following question in depth:

COVID has invaded every aspect of our lives – social, political, financial, and possibly most importantly, our overall health. Studies indicate that cancer rates are declining. Is this a real finding, or are new cases simply underreported because people are limiting medical care and treatment during the pandemic? Has the pandemic increased the risk and impact of other health related issues for cancer survivors such as diabetes, obesity, and mental illness?

H3’s Founder and Director Janinha Piazzetta is moderating the discussion panel. Each participant will address the question above from their unique perspective. The audience will have an opportunity to participate with questions towards the end.

Our Panelists:
Lisa Blumetti, ERPR+, HER2+, has been a stage IV breast cancer conqueror for 15 years. She is the Chairperson on the Board of Directors for H3 and has tried to use her cancer experiences to help further their mission of improving wellness through education about conventional and non-conventional modalities.

Eric W. Dickhaus, MD, Phd, specializes in Neuropathology, Psychiatry, and Cancer Epigenetics. His research interests include breast cancer epigenetics, targeted therapies, DNA methylation and histone acetylation and deacetylation. He professionally integrates traditional and non-traditional treatments, including psychology and psychiatry, with the goal of lifelong quality medical care for cancer patients.

Nilza Kallos, MD founded in 1981 the Breast Health Center & Diagnostic Ultrasound, the first multi-modality breast center in Florida. Dr. Kallos is board certified in Nuclear Medicine and a certified menopausal clinician.  She joined University of Miami Sylvester Cancer Center as the director of Women’s Imaging at Lennar Foundation Medical Center.

Ann Fonfa, ADVOC is a breast cancer survivor, advocate and founder of The Annie Appleseed Project (www.annieappleseedproject.org) whose website now receives 90,000 monthly visitors. The organization runs a national conference each year in West Palm Beach, and smaller events throughout the year.

Cristina Lopez-Peñalver, M.D., FACS, is a surgical oncologist specializing in the treatment of breast cancer. Utilizing the latest surgical advances, she treats patients diagnosed with all types and stages of breast cancer, including non-invasive and invasive, recurrent and advanced. She collaborates with Miami Cancer Institute’s multidisciplinary team to deliver the most-effective, individualized care plans.

This event is limited to 100 attendees. If you can’t access the meeting, you can watch it on Facebook live at www.facebook.com/MiamiBeachChamber.