June is Cancer Survivor Month
Cancer Survivor Month is a time to recognize and celebrate the strength and resilience of cancer survivors, as well as raise awareness about cancer prevention, early detection, and support services. At ECHO, every month of the year is a time for us to recognize our amazing warriors who have fought or are currently fighting cancer.
Cancer Survivors Take Many Forms
A cancer survivor is an individual who has been diagnosed with cancer and is living with or beyond the disease. The term encompasses individuals at all stages of the cancer journey, including:
- Those who have completed treatment and are in remission: This means that there is no active cancer detected, and the risk of recurrence is low.
- Those who are still undergoing treatment: This includes those receiving chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, or other interventions.
- Those who have had a recurrence: This refers to individuals who have had cancer come back after it was previously treated.
- Those living with advanced cancer: This describes individuals with cancer that has spread or is not responding to treatment.
Cancer survivorship is a lifelong journey. Cancer Survivor Month is an opportunity to highlight the challenges and triumphs faced by survivors and to emphasize the importance of ongoing care and support.
Resources to Support Cancer Survivors
There are many resources out there to guide survivors and their caregivers. ECHO has a Patient Support page, as well as an Education page. There are many national organizations that provide a wealth of helpful information.
Support Groups and Communities:
ECHO offers monthly support groups for both men and women. These groups offer a safe space to come together, share your story, learn new coping skills, and find out about resources that may help you on your journey. Click here to learn more. Organizations like the American Cancer Society, Cancer Support Community, and Gilda’s Club offer online and in-person support groups where survivors can connect, share experiences, and gain emotional support.
ECHO offer education resources to support cancer surivors which can be access by clicking here. The American Cancer Society, National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship, and CancerCare provide educational materials on various aspects of cancer survivorship, including navigating treatment, managing side effects, and accessing resources.
The ECHO Cancer Foundation provides financial support and valuable assistance to cancer patients and families. Learn more by clicking here. Organizations like Triage Cancer and the American Cancer Society offer free education and support related to managing finances after a cancer diagnosis, including information on work rights, health insurance, and estate planning.
Wellness and Exercise Programs:
The YMCA and other organizations offer free or low-cost exercise programs like LIVESTRONG that are specifically designed for cancer survivors to help them improve their physical and mental well-being.
Celebrate Our Survivors
We are grateful for cancer survivors who are willing to share their stories, learnings, and insight. Click below to read their stories.
Tell Us Your Story
We would love to hear from our cancer survivors! If you or someone you love has battled cancer, we invite you to submit a short essay, video or poem about your experience. Feel free to touch on topics including:
- Your personal experience with cancer
- What gave you hope in dark times
- Resources that you found helpful
- Advice you would give to other cancer survivors
- If not a survivor, someone you admire and why
Email us at Umatter@echoct.com. With your permission, we hope to share your experience and words of wisdom to motivate other cancer survivors.