"Difficult roads can lead to beautiful destinations." "There's always hope beyond what you see." "It's possible not just to survive, but to thrive and to live a healthy, wonderful life again." "Life is 10% what happens to us and 90% how we react to it."
It's better to say, “It's so great to see you.” This suggests you have considered that maybe you would not see me again, which was a real possibility in my case. It acknowledges what I may have gone through rather than diminish it. “Your courage gives me strength.” “You have given me new-found wisdom.”
One big reason cancer survivors are considered heroes relates to the language typically used when describing the cancer journey. It's a “battle” or “war” that they're “fighting”. And if they come through treatment cancer-free, they're a “survivor” of this great “battle”.
Try not to say, "Don't worry, you'll be fine." You don't know that. Instead say, "I'm really sorry," or "I hope it will be okay." And don't refer to his or her cancer as "the good cancer." These statements downplay what he or she is going through.
Instead of hearing “What can I do?” cancer patients want to hear that you already have a specific task in mind. Many cancer patients will decline needing help when they are asked the broad question “What can I help with?” Choose something specific and get started on it.
have been in remission for 20 years. How long have you been a cancer survivor? Celebrate cancer survivors on #NCSD2023 on Sunday, June 4, 2023.
Don't be afraid to give a hug, foot massage or a manicure, if that's natural and part of your friendship. Many people often say "congratulations" after the person finished chemotherapy, but it may not always be a good thing. Instead of saying "let's celebrate," ask, "how do you feel now that chemo is over?"
The Logo design (survivor in circle) cannot be altered, but may appear in any color and may be placed on backgrounds of varying types and colors; however, the official NCSD colors are red (PMS 186), white, and blue (PMS 286), and their use is encouraged to show unity.
Pink visors were launched for survivor recognition. In 1991, pink ribbons were distributed to all breast cancer survivors and participants of the Komen New York City Race for the Cure®.
Survivors are well advised to hope for the best but prepare for the worst. They can live with hope for a cure, a remission, or stable cancer without suffering and enjoy high quality of life with family and friends for as long as possible.
Remission means that the signs and symptoms of your cancer are reduced. Remission can be partial or complete. In a complete remission, all signs and symptoms of cancer have disappeared. If you remain in complete remission for 5 years or more, some doctors may say that you are cured.
Give them a friendly hand squeeze or hug – it can go a long way. Ring them up, send a card, note or text to say you're thinking of them. Let them know that if they want to talk you'll be there to listen - then make sure you are available. Respect their need for privacy.
Many people live much longer than 5 years after their cancer diagnosis. The term does not mean a person will only survive for 5 years. For example, 90% of people with breast cancer will be alive 5 years after the diagnosis of cancer.
The American Cancer Society (ACS) uses the term “survivor” for anyone who has ever had cancer and is still alive, whether or not they still have cancer. Some of the general public may use this term to refer to someone who has either lived an amount of time after a cancer diagnosis or those who no longer have cancer.
You survived cancer while others did not. This is also called “survivor's guilt.” You blame yourself or feel embarrassed or ashamed of lifestyle choices and habits that may have increased your risk of developing cancer.
Orange represents kidney cancer and leukemia. Green stands for liver cancer, lymphoma, and gall bladder cancer. Variations of purple signify pancreatic cancer, testicular cancer, leiomyosarcoma, Hodgkin lymphoma, stomach cancer, and esophageal cancer.