LAHF members are invited to attend the private view of a new exhibition of work examining the treatment of cancer. The exhibition showcases the work of French visual artist Patrick Altes who was artist in residence at the Sussex Cancer Centre at Royal Sussex Hospital in Brighton for ten months last year during which time he documented the role of oncologists in cancer treatment.

A former cancer patient himself, Altes says "Medicine is closely linked to our primal need for survival and we relate to doctors in a complex way; when exposed to something as frightening as cancer, we see them as healers, rather than just a vehicle for science doling out treatment to put us back on track. I'm interested in how doctors are affected by the tolls of straddling sophisticated scientific medicine alongside the emotional burden of treating a fearful illness."

The private view will incorporate a panel discussion examining the role of oncologists in light of the exhibition. The discussion will be chaired by Professor Michael Baum, Professor Emeritus of Surgery and visiting Professor of Medical Humanities at University College of London, and will feature Patrick Altes, Professor Lesley Fallowfield of Cancer Research UK, and Dr David Bloomfield, Clinical Director of the Sussex Cancer Centre.

The event will run from 6pm to 8.30pm on Tuesday 5^th February at the Menier Chocolate Factory, 51 Southwark Street, London SE1. The exhibition continues until 10^th February.

For more information or to confirm attendance, contact Damian@lahf.org.uk