June 2 marks a significant occasion for many individuals and families across the globe—it’s National Cancer Survivors Day (NCSD), a time to celebrate the victories and ongoing journey of those who have battled cancer. Established in 1988, NCSD serves as a beacon of hope, honoring survivors, inspiring the newly diagnosed, and providing support to families and caregivers.
Significance of National Cancer Survivors Day
NCSD is more than just a day on the calendar; it’s an opportunity to:
- Celebrate the lives of cancer survivors
- Recognize the strength, courage, and resilience of survivors
- Support survivors, families, friends, and caregivers
- Promote awareness about the survivorship journey
- Advocate for continued cancer research and improved treatments
Advancements in cancer treatment and survivorship
There have been remarkable advances in cancer treatment, leading to increased survival rates. The University of Colorado Health, for instance, reports significantly higher five-year cancer survival rates compared to national averages. Successes include:
- 91% higher survival for esophageal cancer
- 79% higher for liver cancer
- 77.5% higher for pancreatic cancer
- 67.4% higher for lung cancer
- 40.6% higher for stomach cancer
These achievements are attributed to specialized care, high-quality programs, and extensive clinical trials. Other notable improvements in survival rates include ovarian, cervical, and colon cancers.
Wells Messersmith, MD, associate director of clinical services at CU Cancer Center, emphasizes the importance of these outcomes. “Seeing that our survival rates are higher is certainly a point of pride… It’s one of the biggest things that patients are concerned about. They want to survive more than five years,” says Messersmith.
Continuing the fight against cancer
As we observe National Cancer Survivors Day, it’s crucial to acknowledge the progress made while recognizing the work that remains. Continued advocacy, research, and support are essential in the fight against cancer, ensuring that survivorship rates keep climbing and that the future is brighter for all affected by this disease.
NCSD is a testament to the indomitable spirit of survivors and a reminder that every step forward is a step towards a world where cancer no longer defines the length and quality of one’s life.
