National Cancer Survivors Day (NCSD) honors survivors who are living with and beyond cancer, and also recognizes those professionals who are helping to fight the battle against cancer. NCSD is an annual, nationwide celebration of life which is held in over 700
communities. Events are held around the nation to honor the 8.9 million Americans who are surviving cancer, to spread the message that life after a cancer diagnosis can be a reality.
National Cancer Survivors Day is held in most communities on the first Sunday in June. NCSD is the world's largest and fastest-growing annual cancer survivor event.
National Cancer Survivors Day is sponsored by the National Cancer Survivors Day Foundation. Visit their Web site at http://www.ncsdf.org.
Cancer is not the dread disease that it was years ago. Since the 1971 National Cancer Act, much of the research into early cancer detection and treatment has paid off. Mortality rates for most major cancers are declining, and today, more people survive cancer than ever before. In fact, 8.4 million Americans - nearly one in 30 - are living with a history of cancer.
Recent survivorship milestones include:
However, surviving cancer can leave a host of problems in its wake. Physical, emotional, and financial hardships often persist for years after initial diagnosis and treatment. Many survivors suffer decreased quality of life following successful treatment, leading one cancer activist and survivor to say, "Surviving is not just about a cure, but about living the rest of our lives."
Sources: National Cancer Institute, National Cancer Survivors Day Foundation
