Let’s celebrate cancer survivors

You may not know (I didn’t) that the first Sunday in June is National Cancer Survivors Day. It’s a day to “honor cancer survivors and to show the world that life after a cancer diagnosis can be fruitful, rewarding, and even inspiring,” according to the National Cancer Survivors Day Foundation who started the event over thirty years ago.

In 2001 the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that there were 9.8 million cancer survivors. They describe a survivor as one whose diagnosis was five or more years earlier. In 2019 that number jumped to 16.8 million people.

We can credit early detection and screening tests such as mammography for breast cancer, prostate specific antigen (PSA) for prostate cancer; colonoscopy for colorectal cancer; and Pap tests for cervical cancer for the increase in survivorship.

Today treatments are being better utilized resulting in fewer side effects. Newer treatments such as targeted therapy and immunotherapy have helped increase survivor rates as well.

The American Cancer Society describes three phases of survivorship. Acute survivorship starts at diagnosis and ends after the initial treatment.

“Extended survivorship starts at the end of initial treatment and goes through the months after. Permanent survivorship is when years have passed since cancer treatment ended. There is less of a chance that the cancer may come back,” ACS says.

The dictionary describes a survivor as a person remaining alive after an event in which others have died, and a person who copes well with difficulties in their life. Cancer survivors may describe it differently.

“Not everyone who has had cancer likes the word ‘survivor,’” ACS says. “The reasons for this may vary. For instance, they may simply identify more with being ‘a person who has had cancer.’ Or if they are dealing with cancer every day they may describe themselves as ‘living with cancer.’ Therefore, they may not think of themselves as a survivor.”

ACS describes the dichotomy of emotions after cancer treatment. Some people will appreciate life more and find that they are more accepting of themselves. Others become more anxious about their health and don’t know how they’ll cope when treatment ends.

NCSDF says that surviving cancer can “leave a host of problems in its wake. Physical, emotional, and financial hardships often persist for years after diagnosis and treatment. Cancer survivors are also at greater risk for developing second cancers and other health conditions.”

What does life after cancer look like? Obviously no two people are alike, but the one thread of commonality is that everything will be different. From changes in relationships to worrying about a recurrence to chronic pain or lingering symptoms, it’s not surprising that normal after cancer won’t be what normal was beforehand.

“When treatment is done, some people feel like they’re no longer fighting the cancer. Worries can set in. You might feel alone and lost without the support of your cancer care team,” ACS says.

They say that the end of cancer treatment isn’t the end of seeing your cancer care team. “Long-term follow-up visits and tests will likely continue for many more years. You’ll also need routine check-ups and health screenings.” They stress the importance of keeping these appointments.

Family and friends may tell you to have a positive attitude, that having one will keep your cancer from returning. Unfortunately, that’s a myth. “Cancer is not caused by a person’s negative attitude nor is it made worse by a person’s thoughts,” ACS explains.

What one should do is seek support. “Talking with others who are in situations like yours can help ease loneliness. You can also get useful ideas from others that might help you.”

You can take advantage of support groups, there are several online. You might feel more comfortable working one-on-one with a licensed counselor and there are several in our community.

“Religion can be a great source of strength for some people. Some find new faith during a cancer experience,” ACS says. “Meditation, practicing gratitude, helping others, and spending time in nature are just a few of the many ways that people address spiritual needs.”

For those of us close to a cancer survivor, let’s remember to validate emotions and offer support, not just this Sunday but every day of the year.

Kathy Hubbard is a member of Bonner General Health Foundation Advisory Council. She can be reached at kathyleehubbard@yahoo.com.