Tale of Cancer Battles and Survival: NHMC’s Tribute to Cancer Survivors (Part 2)
As we have discussed in the first section of this two-part blog, cancer is a debilitating disease that is affecting millions of individuals worldwide. This June, communities from various towns and cities will be celebrating National Cancer Survivors month to honor the people who have remained steadfast in their battle against cancer.
National Cancer Survivors Day Origin
National Cancer Survivors’ Day all started back in 1987, where it became a representation of the idea that a cancer diagnosis does not automatically equate to a death sentence. It is the world’s largest cancer survivorship event. Hundreds of communities in the United States, Canada, Great Britain, Australia, South Africa, India, Greece, Spain, Nigeria, and other participating countries show their appreciation to the brave cancer survivors. These communities further highlight the importance of cancer survivorship through activities such as the following:
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Marathons
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Walks
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Races
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Parades
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Carnivals
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Dances
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Dinners
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Exhibits
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Health fairs
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Inspirational programs
Celebrations are usually filled with so many emotions, from cries of laughter to shouts of joy to tearful and quiet reflections. It’s the perfect time every year to promote hope for the future of loved ones with the disease, give them strength and assurance to fight with all that they have.
Celebrating the Gift of a Cancer-Free Life
Since cancer claims millions of lives each year, it has been quite common to hear people express negative ideas about life after cancer. Some even go far to say that there is nothing to look forward to after cancer has been treated because the belief, and also in some cases, the treatment process leaves the body in a fragile state, susceptible to various forms of infections. Some succumb to death a few months after treatment. National Cancer Survivor’s Day Foundation spokesperson Laura Shipp, however, begs to differ. “But the reality is that more people are living longer and better quality lives after cancer than ever before. These survivors are showing us that life after cancer can be meaningful, exciting, and filled with joy.”
She also added that National Cancer Survivors Day is a chance for cancer survivors and their loved ones to celebrate cancer survivorship. It is very essential to highlight the fact that there is life after cancer may not be the same as before, but it sure can still be “beautiful, rewarding, and sometimes, even better than before.”
Building Your Health after Cancer
While it is a truly rewarding experience to overcome cancer after a series of treatments and medications, it would still be best to remain mindful that there is always a chance that cancer can redevelop. As a matter of fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cancer survivors are at a much greater risk for cancer recurrence.
They are also susceptible to developing second cancers, mainly due to the effects of their treatment, unhealthy lifestyle, genetics, stress, or other risk factors that may have caused the first cancer to develop.
Here are some tips cancer survivors can follow in order to achieve and maintain good health, improve quality of life, and prolong cancer survival after a diagnosis.
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Quit smoking.
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Maintain a healthy weight, as obesity can lower chances of survival after a breast, prostate, or colorectal cancer diagnosis.
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Regular physical activity may improve a cancer survivor’s quality of life after a cancer diagnosis. (at least 150 minutes of moderate activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity per week for adults)
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Follow-up Care – A personalized survivorship care plan that includes a schedule of recommended follow-up visits, screenings, and medical tests and specifies which providers will be responsible for care.
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Possible delayed effects of treatment. The importance of seeking timely care in response to certain signs or symptoms.
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Emotional wellness after cancer and identifying available resources for additional support, if necessary.
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Lifestyle changes recommended for improving health and well-being after cancer.
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Developing an effective support system that meets survivors’ medical and emotional needs.
If you have a loved one or know someone who is a cancer survivor, do not forget to let them know and feel how valued they are. If you are the cancer survivor, then we take this opportunity to congratulate you on achieving a milestone. Visit http://www.newhopemedicalcenter.com today for more helpful information about cancer and holistic cancer treatment programs available.