Fran Drescher’s Annual Cancer Schmancer Summit Will Return on October 11th
I recently caught up with. Susan Holland, Executive Director, and Al Sophianopoulos, Program Director from Fran Drescher’s Cancer Schmancer organization to find out more about this year’s health summit focusing on “Empowering the Aging Woman” with one of the keynote speakers being the legendary Jane Fonda. Here is what they had to share:
General Overview & Purpose
What is the central theme or focus of this year’s Health Summit — will it follow a specific topic like brain health, post-pandemic wellness, or something new?
This year’s theme is Empowering the Aging Woman. We explore looking and feeling your best inside and out as you embrace the journey of growing older.
Who are the confirmed keynote speakers or featured experts at the 10th Annual Health Summit, and what unique insights will they bring?
Our special guest is Jane Fonda, who will be speaking one-on-one with Fran Drescher. Our other speakers are Tamsen Fadal, an Emmy-winning journalist and New York Times bestselling author who covers How to Menopause; Dr. Sabine Hazan a physician and specialist in gastroenterology, internal medicine, and hepatology who addresses The Microbiome, Aging & Disease; and Dr. Amanda Hanson a renowned psychologist who is a Midlife Muse.
Fran Drescher’s Role & Advocacy
How will Fran Drescher be involved in the summit — will she deliver opening or closing remarks, moderate panels, or share her personal health journey?
Ms. Drescher hosts the day, opening and closing the program as well as interviewing several of the guests and sharing her own personal journey.
How does this year’s event reflect the evolution of Fran’s vision and the Cancer Schmancer mission since the first summit?
Ms. Drescher founded Cancer Schmancer after her tour of the book by the same name, when she realized that so many women’s stories were exactly like hers: It took her 2 years and 8 doctors to get a correct diagnosis of uterine cancer. She founded the organization so that what happened to her wouldn’t happen to others. Originally founded as an organization to educate women about early detection and prevention, the organization has since expanded to a whole-body health organization because the steps you take to prevent cancer prevent a host of diseases and ailments. This year’s summit expands our journey into whole body health and takes the women’s perspective.
Audience Experience & Format
Is the summit being held in-person only, or is there a virtual or hybrid attendance option for those who can’t join in Los Angeles?
The summit is held both in-person and streams live online. It will later be archived in the free CancerSchmancer.org Video Library.
What interactive elements — such as Q&A sessions, breakout workshops, or wellness activities — can attendees expect?
There will be one audience question-and-answer segment, and the day will end with some movement and emotional work.
Content & Programming
Will the summit emphasize particular types of health practices or disciplines, such as functional medicine, mental health, lifestyle detox, or emerging therapies?
Our Health Summit emphasizes prevention above all else, and that takes the form or whole-body health, functional medicine, traditional medicine, and spiritual practice.
Are there resources like recordings, downloadable materials, or livestream access for attendees — especially helpful for those attending virtually or afterward?
We will provide an interactive online program guide for both attendees and those watching the livestream.
Impact & Accessibility
How does Cancer Schmancer aim to engage underserved or marginalized communities through this summit — will there be scholarships, free tickets, or outreach programs?
Cancer Schmancer offers the livestream and later archives for free worldwide, and we also provide free attendance for cancer survivors.
What measurable outcomes or impact goals are associated with this year’s summit — such as awareness metrics, community partnerships, or prevention campaign launches?
We follow up after each summit with a survey of both our in-person and livestream attendees to measure impact.
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