5 Ways to Support Cancer Survivors
Getty Images: Stock photo posed by models
Looking for the perfect way to show cancer survivors you care? Explore these options, from advocacy opportunities to honoring cancerversaries.
I never really thought of myself as a very strong person. That changed when I was diagnosed with cancer. I realized I was strong enough to handle anything thrown my way.
June is National Cancer Survivors Month, a time to rally around those who have experienced cancer and are currently living with cancer. It’s also a good time to raise awareness about the challenges of survivorship throughout all stages of the cancer journey. Even after treatment ends, survivors can face challenges ranging from financial concerns to fears of a recurrence.
That’s why your support matters. Whether you have personally been impacted by cancer or simply want to help others who are navigating a diagnosis or life post-treatment, there are many ways to show you care.
Here are 5 ways to show your support:
1. Spread the word.
Have you ever wondered, “How do I find a local support group to help a cancer survivor?” Or maybe you’ve wondered, “What resources exist to help people cope with a cancer diagnosis?”
- We often meet cancer survivors who tell us that they wish they had known about Gilda’s Club when they received their diagnosis. Getting the word out can help ensure that more people know about our services and programs, when and where they need them most.
2. Honor cancerversaries.
Cancerversaries are personal. They are milestones in someone’s cancer journey, and unique to each person’s cancer experience. Is there a cancerversary that’s important to someone you love? Or, if you’re a cancer survivor, perhaps there’s a date you like to honor. Maybe it’s the last day of treatment, a cancer-free anniversary, or a different milestone.
You can honor these milestones in different ways, be they your own or an important anniversary in someone else’s life. Here are a few ideas:
- Send a card. If you’re creative, design a handmade card to make it even more special for the recipient.
- Prepare a nourishing meal for yourself or the cancer survivor in your life. Our Virtual Kitchen showcases a collection of healthy recipes, all created to support the nutritional needs of people impacted by cancer.
3. Become a cancer advocate.
Cancer advocates work to educate the community and politicians on important cancer issues. Anyone can be a cancer advocate and help change laws and policies that affect people impacted by cancer. Many people think advocacy is intimidating or that it can only be done through lobbying, but that’s not the case.
There are many opportunities to advocate. Our Grassroots Network is a great place to start. Stand up for people impacted by cancer and make your voice heard to policymakers at the local and national level.
4. Share your insights.
If you are a cancer patient, a survivor, or a caregiver, join CSC’s cancer experience survey to share your insights. The survey takes about 35 minutes to complete. By gathering the important insights of those affected by cancer through this survey, we can create better outcomes for patients, survivors, and caregivers today, and for future generations.
5. Show the world that Community Is Stronger Than Cancer.
Looking for more creative ways to show your support?
- Share your story to help others feel less alone. How has cancer impacted you? From words of encouragement to lessons learned, your story could be the beacon of hope someone needs.
- Connect with others like you. Cancer survivors can be a powerful source of support for one another. If you’re a cancer survivor, join our online discussion forum for Post-treatment Survivors. We also have forums for cancer patients and caregivers. Share your ideas, insights, and encouragement.
I’m in a good place. My life is very blessed. People will say, ‘Well, gosh, you have had cancer 3 times.’ We have all had tough experiences; it’s not just rhetoric [to say] that you come out stronger at the other end.
