At some point in our lives, cancer will likely touch all of us. If not personally, we will know someone—a friend, family member or coworker who has faced a cancer diagnosis. In America alone, there are over 12 million people living with a history of cancer.
On Sunday, June 5th, hundreds of communities worldwide will host events in observance of National Cancer Survivor’s Day—a celebration of life, hope and triumph over adversity. These events provide an opportunity for cancer survivors to connect with other survivors, and recognize the healthcare practitioners families, and friends who have supported them in their fight.
This day is also an opportunity to raise awareness of all of the challenges that come with a cancer diagnosis and what still needs to be done. Advances in cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment have resulted in longer survival. However surviving cancer can leave a host of problems in its wake. Physical, emotional, and financial hardships often persist for years after diagnosis and treatment. Survivors may face many challenges including access to cancer specialists and promising new treatments, denial of health and life insurance coverage, financial hardships long after the initial diagnosis and treatment, employment problems, psychological struggles and the strain on personal relationships, and the profound fear of recurrence.
The National Cancer Survivors Day Foundation, administrator for the celebration, believes that to improve the quality of life of cancer survivors, more resources, research, and survivor-friendly legislation are needed. The Foundation encourages a greater commitment to resolving the issues of cancer survivorship through its role in supporting hundreds of hospitals, support groups, and other cancer-related organizations that host National Cancer Survivors Day events in their communities.
To locate a survivor’s day event near you, check with your local cancer treatment center, hospital, or American Cancer Society office.
Specal Note: Our parent company, Cancer Treatment Centers of America hosts annual two-day events called “Celebrate Life®” to commemorate a major milestone for its patients—their five-year anniversaries as cancer survivors! Every patient that visits a CTCA hospital hears about CNCA nutritional supplements, and we are honored to help them in their fight against cancer.
Sources:
National Cancer Survivors Day Foundation