University of Missouri Presents Dialogues About Breast Cancer

Joplin, Mo. – For many patients, hearing the words “breast cancer” from their healthcare professional is an emotionally traumatic experience. Healthcare providers must be deeply sensitive in communicating breast cancer diagnoses to their patients.

Author Heather Carver attempts to explore and address the issue of sensitivity to breast cancer patients in a unique theatrical experience presented in conjunction with University of Missouri Extension. “Dialogues About Breast Cancer” will be staged by a group of performing arts students from the University of Missouri Theatre Department. 

Based on research with breast cancer survivors and their doctors, the three-scene production portrays doctor-patient interactions during breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. After each scene, audience members will have the opportunity to explore ways to improve the experience of cancer patients and caregivers.

Geared toward physicians, nurses and nursing students, breast cancer patients and survivors, and any member of the general public who may be touched in some way by breast cancer, the performance is free and open to the public.

“Dialogues About Breast Cancer” will be performed at 6:30 pm Monday, April 20 at the Jerry B. Stark Performing Arts Center, 300 S. Broadway in Carl Junction, MO. 

Freeman Health System – Celebrating 90 Years
Locally owned, not-for-profit and nationally recognized, Freeman Health System includes Freeman Hospital West, Freeman Hospital East, Freeman Neosho Hospital and Ozark Center – the area’s largest provider of behavioral health services – as well as two urgent care clinics, dozens of physician clinics and a variety of specialty services. In 2014, Freeman earned 90 individual awards for medical excellence and safety from CareChex®, a quality rating system that helps consumers evaluate healthcare providers. U.S. News & World Report ranked Freeman #1 Hospital in Southwest Missouri in 2014-15, and The Leapfrog Group gave Freeman the highest grade possible in the Fall 2014 Hospital Safety Score. With more than 300 physicians on staff representing more than 60 specialties, Freeman provides cancer care, heart and vascular care, neurology and neurosurgery, orthopaedics, children’s services and women’s services. Additionally, Freeman is the only Children’s Miracle Network Hospital in a 70-mile radius. For more information, visit freemanhealth.com or facebook.com/freemanhealthsystem or follow Freeman President and Chief Executive Officer Paula Baker at twitter.com/freemanceo. #FreemanTurns90