National Cancer Survivors Day

National Cancer Survivors Day takes the time to prove that life after a cancer diagnosis can become a reality.

On the first Sunday of June each year, the National Cancer Survivors Day nonprofit gathers its forces and resources to promote National Cancer Survivors Day in the United States and around the world, as it has since 1988. The NCSD considers as a celebration of life where survivors described as anyone have a medical history, from the time of diagnosis to the rest of life, gather with friends, family, and advocates to raise awareness, spread information, provide services, and respect honor other survivors, all to show that life after a cancer diagnosis can be full and productive.

History of National Cancer Survivors Day

The first celebration of National Cancer Survivors Day was held on June 5th, 1988. The celebrating style has always been open with local municipalities, hospitals and other groups hold festivals such as parades and rallies. According to the NCSD website, anyone can sign up for an event and get support from the broader organization. The organization offers a variety of resources, including a list of speakers - medical professionals, celebrities big and small, authors, and more people willing to help organize events in their respective towns and cities.

The NCSD celebration also includes art exhibits, carnivals, contests, and testimonies of famous survivors. In 2008, the fanfare included the start of US President George W. Bush along with the Director of the National Cancer Institute.

In general, the official press coverage of National Cancer Survivors Day is provided by the magazine “Coping with Cancer”. In celebration of 2020, as the magazine reported, many events have been canceled or moved to online-only or socially distanced versions, but the date still includes the celebration' red carpet' drive in Louisville, Kentucky with vehicles all decorated in pink and red; the pink corset and fur worn at the New Orleans Pussyfooters parade in that city; a virtual Ribbon walk in Fort Wayne, Indiana; and many more unique instances of uniting with survivors.

Signing up for your own NCSD event is easy and streamlined on their website, ncsd.org, so this coming June, why not join the ranks of survivors and allies in your homeland, in relation to the broader event? Let make it become a fun and meaningful day.

Some truths about Chemotherapy

• Never give up

For some chemotherapy patients, the treatment isn't as overwhelming as you might think, and you can maintain a gentler schedule through chemotherapy.

• It is very diversity

Not all chemotherapy is intravenous; some are given through a skin cream or pill.

• A long and winding road

Chemo patients must be prepared for what seems unfair: some side effects - heart and lung problems, nerve damage, and others - can appear months or years after the initial treatment.

• But maybe not so bumpy

Side effects such as hair loss, fatigue, and others vary widely from patient to patient, with some survivors experiencing little or no side effects at all.

• Too much of a good thing

Be careful if you are taking vitamin supplements such as A, C, and E, as high doses of these and others can interfere with chemotherapy.

How to celebrate National Cancer Survivors Day

• Attend an event

It is possible that on National Cancer Survivors Day, there will be more themed events in or near your town. Please go out and show your appreciation!

• Sign up and host an event of your own design

Especially if you are honoring a friend or family member who has been diagnosed in their lifetime, creating a brand new event is a very honorable way to celebrate this important day.

• Spread the word on social networks

Raising awareness online is always a good idea. You can search for an in-depth article and share it in the social media with using the hashtag, #NationalCancerSurvivorsDay.

Why National Cancer Survivors Day is important

• It affects a lot

In the United States, there are more than 16 million cancer survivors. Do you know them? Maybe they are close to you, or you may be a survivor yourself. Today is about making survivors feel as loved and important as they are.

• It's a step towards defeating cancer completely

Some medical professionals will use the word "cure" in place of the word "remission," but there is still no real cure for the cancer itself. However, the more attention this disease gets – as with the NCSD celebrations every June – the closer we will get to a viable, comprehensive cure.

• It was a fun day despite the serious reason behind it

When all is said and done, who doesn't love a parade or a carnival, or even - as in 2020 - a Zoom call? Smiling faces will always be good therapy for those who are suffering from illness.