Celebrate National Cancer Survivors Day On Sunday, June 14

Main Category: Cancer / Oncology
Article Date: 04 Jun 2009 - 5:00 PDT

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Cancer survivors of all ages will celebrate life on June 14 to show the world that life after a cancer diagnosis is not only possible, but it can be positive, productive and meaningful. From 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., in Bloch Cancer Survivors' Park on Harbor Island, cancer survivors, their families, healthcare professionals and the general public will take part in the 12th Annual Celebration of Life, hosted by Cancer Survivorship: San Diego!

This free local event is one of hundreds of similar activities in communities throughout the United States, Canada and elsewhere commemorating National Cancer Survivors Day. Last year, more than 3,500 attended San Diego's event.

"Participants will learn and affirm that surviving cancer reflects an attitude about life and living each day to the fullest," said Dani Grady, one of the event's founders and a breast cancer survivor. "This year's theme, 'Yes we can ... Survive ... Thrive!,' will also recognize the contributions of healthcare providers and call attention to issues of survivorship such as insurance, employment and how cancer affects the whole family."

San Diego's Celebration of Life features a large health fair; lectures on a wide range of cancer-related topics in both English and Spanish presented by physicians and other healthcare professionals in small breakout sessions; demonstrations of complementary therapies; free skin and oral cancer screenings; family activities; opportunities for cancer survivors to talk with other survivors of the same type of cancer; survivor stories and awards presentations; and a fashion show with survivors as models.

The National Cancer Survivors Day Foundation defines a cancer survivor as anyone living with a history of cancer - from the moment of diagnosis through the remainder of life. Approximately 11 million Americans are now living with and beyond a diagnosis of cancer. In the United States, it is estimated that almost half of all men and one third of all women will be diagnosed with the disease at some point in their lives.

Major advances in cancer prevention, early detection and treatment have resulted in longer survival and, therefore, a growing number of survivors. However, a cancer diagnosis can leave a host of problems in its wake. Physical, financial and emotional hardships often persist long after treatment. Survivors may face many challenges such as hindered access to cancer specialists and promising new treatments, inadequate insurance, financial difficulties, employment problems and psychological struggles.

"Despite the adversities they often face, cancer survivors continue to show resilience by living active, productive lives," says Grady. "They face each day with courage and dignity in their fight against cancer and serve as an inspiration to all those around them."

During the event, American Airlines is also donating two tickets to locations valid within the continental United States, Caribbean, Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada or Mexico. All travel must be completed by May 28, 2010.

Cancer Survivorship: San Diego's Celebration of Life will be held at Bloch Cancer Survivors' Park, 4100 N. Harbor Drive, across from San Diego International Airport. The event, which begins at 10:30 a.m. and runs until 5:00 p.m., is free and open to the public and registration is encouraged. For more information or to register, visit http://www.cancersurvivorshipSD.com.

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Cancer Survivorship