Cancer Survivorship

Cancer survivorship is one of the most talked about aspect in oncology care today.

Why, one would ask? Who are these survivors and how do we define who a cancer survivor is? Recent reports indicate that today there are over 12 million cancer survivors in the United States and approximately 20 million cancer survivors across the globe. This increase in the numbers of people surviving cancer today as well as how vocal our cancer survivors have been about their unmet needs makes a huge difference in our perceptions about this population.

We must also admit that having some really famous people such as Lance Armstrong and other prominent figures talking openly about their experience with cancer either personally or someone they know and love has created more awareness about this issue. We have become acutely aware that cancer survivors are not only living longer with the advances in medicine and early detection measures discovering cancer earlier, but are still actively pursuing their lives once they have completed their treatment.

Some people have indicated that one can be called a survivor from the day of diagnosis, while others feel that the patient should have completed their course of treatment or have survived five years or more beyond their diagnosis. The National Coalition for Cancer Survivors (NCCS) defined a cancer survivor as “anyone who has been diagnosed with cancer through the balance of his or her life.”

There is more to come on this series but I would like to hear your thoughts about cancer survivorship, what it means to you, what do you hope for in your survivorship journey? Please share your thoughts with me. The Bienes Cancer Center offers several cancer support groups to meet the needs of our patients and families/caregivers. We also offer weekly and seasonal bereavement support groups. Remember when seeking online support groups, please make sure it is from a trusted individual or organization, such as Breast Cancer Network of Strength, which offers a men’s support line or Cancer Care, Inc.  On-line support groups have their role but I still encourage face-to-face contact whenever possible or desired. I am still soliciting thoughts on support groups or any other aspect of cancer support. What role has cancer support played in your cancer treatment experience?

Tags: cancer support groups, cancer survivors, cancer survivorship, online cancer support groups, survivorship
Posted in Cancer Support |

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