National Cancer Survivors Day is Sunday, June 7th

For those diagnosed with cancer, the goal is to survive. For those who have achieved survival, June 7th is a day to celebrate with loved ones, family, and community members.

National Cancer Survivors Day, which has been observed on the first Sunday in June for the past 22 years, was founded by the National Cancer Survivors Day Foundation, or NCSDF, a Tennessee-based organization that aims to improve the lives of cancer survivors. The NCSDF provides planning assistance and educational materials to cancer centers, hospitals, and other organizations that host National Cancer Survivors Day events.

Twenty years ago, cancer survival rates were nowhere near as high as they are currently. For mesothelioma cancer patients, “survival” was merely a possibility, as there is no cure for the asbestos-caused disease and patients typically only survived for six months to one year following diagnosis. For mesothelioma patients and all individuals dealing with cancer, the development of new drugs, such as chemo drug Alimta®, have contributed to a dramatic increase in survival.

A great number of mesothelioma cancer patients are former members of the US military, most specifically the Navy. In New York State, veteran-focused organizations are reaching out to veterans who have mesothelioma cancer and offering assistance to those who qualify.

While there is still no cure for mesothelioma and several other forms of cancer, oncologists like Dr. Anne Tsao of the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Texas, along with cancer researchers and scientists, remain convinced that a cure for various forms of cancer is within our reach. The recent allotment of funding by President Barack Obama for cancer organizations like the National Cancer Institute will make the search for a cure even more possible.

The NCSDF suggests contacting your local American Cancer Society chapter or cancer center for information about events in your area of June 7th. Those who would like to hold an event of their own can contact the Foundation for a free planning kit by sending an email to info@ncsdf.org.

In addition to the US, sixteen additional countries, including Australia, the Netherlands and Canada, will be celebrating National Cancer Survivors Day.