June Is National Cancer Survivor Month
June Is National Cancer Survivor Month
This June We’re Celebrating Cancer Survivors
Who is a cancer survivor? According to the National Cancer Institute, an individual is considered a cancer survivor from the time of diagnosis, through the balance of his or her life. Every survivorship experience is unique as they may face challenges during and after treatments. With survivorship research, adverse effects will be controlled, treated, and prevented.
Whether someone is still undergoing treatment or has long since won their battle against cancer, June is an opportunity to celebrate all cancer survivors. Nationally recognized as Cancer Survivor Month, June is an opportunity for all 16.9 million cancer survivors across the country to celebrate their milestones and recognize those who have supported them along the way. It is also an opportunity for those who have not been affected by cancer to learn and understand the challenges that accompany survivorship. This year, whether a survivor or not, there are many opportunities to embrace National Cancer Survivor Month.
Who Is Considered To Be A Cancer Survivor?
We can say that a survivor is anyone living with a history of cancer – from the moment of diagnosis through the remainder of life. National Cancer Survivors Month is an opportunity for your community to demonstrate that it has an active, productive cancer survivor population and to bring awareness to the challenges they face during and after treatment.
What Can You Do To Support Cancer Survivors?
Contact A Member of Congress.
Contact your members of Congress to make cancer research a national priority. Share your concerns about funding for survivorship research, clinical trial barriers, and the need for better treatments with your member of Congress.
Meet with your congressional representatives to share the importance of funding lifesaving cancer research.
You Can Raise Awareness About Survivorship.
Tell everyone that June is National Cancer Survivor Month by posting this blog to your social media.
Share Your Story.
Write a blog, publish an op-ed, or post your survivorship story on your social media, and share how you have benefited from cancer research.
Celebrating Cancer Survivors
Many people who have not battled cancer are under the misconception that once treatment ends, the difficulties related to cancer come to a screeching stop. The truth is, however, moving forward as a survivor is accompanied by many new struggles. As cancer survivors navigate new challenges, many of the support systems they had throughout treatment waver making adjusting to their new normal exceptionally challenging and isolating.
Along with survivorship often comes physical, emotional, and financial hardship. Though often only the tip of the iceberg, treatment leaves the human body fatigued and weak. It often takes a long time for the body to adjust and adapt to the new normal. Even while understanding this in theory, it can be especially demotivating to survivors. Most feel the urge to jump back into an old routine and pick up where one left off; however, when the body isn’t ready or capable to do so, it can be especially demoralizing. Aside from the frustration of setting new limits on oneself, survivor’s guilt can result in mental health issues.
This month, as survivors are celebrated and honored, it is important to remember that the battle is not necessarily over. Celebrating National Cancer Survivor Month means remembering to check in, offer support, and share resources to assist with coping moving forward. Survivorship in and of itself is a milestone to celebrate, but it is not the end of the challenging path.
Lessening The Side-Effects For Cancer Survivors
In addition to regular screenings, each individual can make a major impact in the development of new and better treatments. Many people who have had cancer treatment have a risk of developing long-term side effects. These side effects can happen months or years after treatment. Evaluating and treating late effects is an important part of cancer survivorship care.
Cancer treatments can cause many other side effects, including tiredness, trouble eating, and depression. The National Cancer Institute and the American Cancer Society describe many of these problems and offer tips for preventing or coping with them.