"When Cancer Calls... A 'Triggering Device' for Improving the Quality of Communication & Living in the Midst of Cancer"
Dr. Wayne A. Beach is a professor in the San Diego State University School of Communication, adjunct professor in the Department of Surgery at University of California San Diego School of Medicine, and member of the Moores Cancer Center at University of California San Diego Health. He discussed his unique journey of translating research on family cancer telephone calls into a multidisciplinary and professional theatrical production, When Cancer Calls…, that creates a new genre for Entertainment-Education and health communication campaigns. Dr. Beach is widely known for his foundational work exploring the first natural history of a family’s cancer communication journey from diagnosis to end-of-life. Based on his research findings, Dr. Beach believed it was imperative to make these powerful materials available to all citizens whose lives have somehow been touched by cancer. Since 2006 more than 5000 persons have experienced When Cancer Calls... as an evolving ‘triggering device’ for meaningful reflections and conversations about the trials, tribulations, hopes, and triumphs of cancer.