Celebrate Cancer Survivors Day
Today, the first Sunday of June, is Cancer Survivors Day, a day to celebrate the cancer survivors in your life. This is a special day because we are gifted with the opportunity to spend more time with our loved ones who won the cancer war. However, there’s more to surviving cancer than you think. Here’s what to keep in mind as you celebrate your friends and family who have fought this epic battle.
Early Detection, Innovative Treatment, Improved Outcomes
The American Cancer Society (ACS) reports that improved screening
and earlier diagnosis, as well as new and innovative treatments, help people live
longer after being diagnosed with cancer. It can’t be emphasized enough – early
detection is essential for improving outcomes. Healthcare has come so far with improved screening
and testing innovations. It’s important that we all know our risk, genetic factors
and take advantage of these tests whenever possible.
A Blueprint for Survival
The ACS also developed a “Blueprint”
for cancer survivors and caregivers that offers support for improving the quality of
life after diagnosis. This blueprint came about because it’s important to
recognize that there is much more to cancer than the battle itself.
Traditionally, we think of a survivor that beats cancer and
lives cancer-free. Many cancer survivors do live cancer-free, which is a blessing; but, it’s not
always that simple. A survivor may live with cancer that has spread or their form
of cancer becomes a chronic disease that goes into remission and can reappear
later. Other survivors live with a cancer that is watched, but isn’t actively
treated.
In addition, there’s more than just eradicating or treating
the cancer itself. While the war was won, the battle rages on in the form of financial
difficulties from healthcare costs, lost work days or even losing
a job during treatment. There can also be emotional turmoil and a long list of
physical challenges that result from battling tough treatments. Help is available
for the aftermath. Healthcare providers may look at the patient’s psychological state, lifestyle and behaviors, then
provide supporting resources such as offering exercise guidance, nutritional
support or providing social networks for the patient and caregivers.
There are also many charity groups willing to help. In addition
to ACS, there are often specialized foundations for specific types of cancers
and there are awesome groups like the Fxck Cancer Foundation. Finding resources
may take a little online research, but it’s worth looking for help when you
need it.
Here's How I Define Strong
Wonder Woman is my favorite comic book hero and I admire a long list of incredible athletes (all runners of course), but cancer warriors and survivors are my ultimate heroes. The people in my Fxck Cancer Endurance Club are the epitome of ‘strong’ and the very definition of ‘warrior’. Many of the athletes in the FCEC are training for incredible endurance events, like the Ironman, while fighting cancer. Seriously, I have no words for this level of strength and bravery.
Cancer patients and the Fxck Cancer foundation, like so many others, have been impacted by Covid-19. It’s difficult to host any grant-wishing experiences for fighters and survivors when cancer patients are among the vulnerable population that needs to diligently avoid Covid-19 exposure. The Fxck Cancer Foundation hopes to host these experiences soon. Until then, spreading awareness is the top priority. Follow this link to the Fxck Cancer Prevention page to find information about specific types of cancers and cancer screenings. Look up risk factors and review common warning signs or symptoms. The more you know, the better you can protect yourself and your loved ones.
Celebrate Cancer Survivors Day with a Donation
Be sure to reach out and celebrate Cancer Survivors Day with
your loved ones! We’re so happy and blessed to have these special friends and
family in our lives! Please also consider donating directly to the Fxck Cancer Foundation through
my personal fundraising page: Donate Here. Your donation will go towards
awareness campaigns, support the Dyin 2 Live Dreams program, and enrich the lives of
cancer warriors and survivors. Thank you for your support!
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