From Nicole Davia

Today, Sunday, June 1, is National Cancer Survivors Day. This is a special day for many cancer survivors as they celebrate life and living beyond cancer. It is a day to bring awareness to the community about those living with cancer, currently undergoing treatments, those newly completing treatment, and those many years from their diagnosis.

Who is considered 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.” Family members, caregivers, and friends are also impacted by the cancer experience and therefore are also included in this definition. There are almost 14 million cancer survivors in the United States alone, with 65% of adults and 80% of children diagnosed with cancer living up to and beyond five years from diagnosis. We can attribute this to improved public awareness and education, screening exams and tests, early detection, and better treatments.

So what does it mean to be a cancer survivor? Many of those facing this diagnosis do not feel much like a “survivor,” and even when they are finished with treatment, there is a great deal of uncertainty. A cancer survivor can be faced with a multitude of issues from the day of diagnosis and sometimes lasting throughout life. Many can have chronic medical problems that can occur during or long after their treatment. There are psychological issues that survivors face, including depression, anxiety, and fear. Many survivors are burdened with the fear of recurrence, the ability to return to a “normal” life, and dealing with the physical changes that have occurred. It can be difficult for some to return to work or school. The physical, psychological, and emotional challenges and changes that can happen during and after treatment can cause survivors and their caregivers excess stress and anxiety in trying to deal with these issues.

Since 1986, when the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship was formed, there has been a strong focus on cancer survivorship for both adults and children living with a diagnosis of cancer. There has been a strong push towards not only caring for patients during their cancer treatment, but also focusing on long-term care far beyond the completion of treatment. Much of the push has been towards educating patients, the public and medical professionals to the obstacles faced by many survivors. Many cancer centers have developed “long term survivor” clinics and programs to help the cancer survivor transition from active treatment to completion of treatment and beyond. There is also a focus on educating primary care providers to the obstacles faced by cancer survivors. These clinics and programs have become essential to the ongoing care that cancer survivors need, during treatment, initially completing treatment, and long after treatment.

The Marion L. Shepard Cancer Center is committed to caring for patients throughout their cancer journey. Our “Transitions” program provides patients who have recently completed cancer treatment the opportunity to discuss their cancer treatment, follow up recommendations, and talk about any current or potential long-term effects of their treatments, including addressing psychological and social issues as well. This is one of several programs that the cancer center has available to cancer survivors and we continue to develop new supportive and educational services for our patients and the community.

Cancer survivors are unique individuals. A cancer diagnosis can cause many changes to a person’s life, both during and after treatment. For most, having cancer is a life-changing experience. Although the cancer journey may not always be an easy road to travel, sometimes feeling like a labyrinth that has no exit, most are able to make the best of their travels and come out a changed person.

Please join the staff at the Marion L. Shepard Cancer Center in celebrating all cancer survivors at our annual “Survivors Got Talent” program being held on June 7th. If you are a cancer survivor and would like to attend, please contact the cancer center as soon as possible at 252-975-4308.

On behalf of the Marion L. Shepard Cancer Center and its staff, I would like to congratulate all cancer survivors for your strength, courage, tenacity, and resilience. We know that you will continue to celebrate not only this day, but every day.

Nicole DaVia, PA-C is a cancer survivor and a physician assistant at the Marion L. Shepard Cancer, a department of Vidant Beaufort Hospital.