COPING with breast cancer will be the focus of a prestigious University of Reading public event.
Prof Nazanin Derakhshan will explore themes such as support structures, cognitive research and personal empowerment at this year’s Edith Morley Lecture on Thursday, March 23.
The professor of experimental psychopathology at the School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences has brought progressive research to the forefront of support systems for those with breast cancer.
On average, a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer every 10 minutes in the UK.
Prof Derakhshan said: “Resilience is the practice of adaptation, flexibility, and adjustment. When confronted with a life-threatening disease such as breast cancer, options become limited, priorities change, and we can struggle to adapt to our new ‘normal’.
“Learning the art of resilience can help us endure the emotional roller coasters, and manage our emotions more efficiently.”
Prof Derakhshan founded the Building Resilience in Breast Cancer Centre (BRiC), a research and practice centre which looks to empower women with breast cancer diagnoses.
Using cutting edge neuroscience research, the centre equips women with resilience tools needed to manage and protect themselves from anxiety and depression, ultimately improving their quality of life.
Resilience builds on neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to form new neural connections towards better cognitive and emotional health.
Throughout her career, Prof Derakshan has worked with over 2,000 women with primary or secondary breast cancer diagnosis.
The lecture will take place from 6.30pm-8pm in the Van Emden Theatre, Edith Morley Building, at the university’s Whiteknights campus.
All are welcome to join, but must register via the University of Reading Events page.
For more information or to book a place, visit: www.reading.ac.uk/events
