What Does National Cancer Survivors Month Mean to You?

What does National Cancer Survivors Month mean to you?

Yearly, National Cancer Survivors Month is recognized during the month of June, aiming to bring awareness to those whose lives have been touched by cancer. In the United States, presently, there are more than 18 million people living with a history of cancer, making the recognition of this month that much more important.

National Cancer Survivors Month, according to the Fred Hutch Cancer Center website, is meant to honor and celebrate the resilience of individuals who have faced cancer, as well as a time to acknowledge the importance of ongoing support and research.

To honor this group of individuals and reflect survivorship, CURE asked cancer survivors, cancer thrivers, patient advocates, and those whose lives have been touched by cancer: what does National Cancer Survivors Month mean to you?

Khevin Barnes, a male breast cancer advocate and survivor, said: Male breast cancer roared into my world like a locomotive, pushing away all but the grimmest of thoughts, and it would have been easy for me to go limp as I was forced to absorb the medical jargon and discuss procedures that might be necessary to extend my life. With the help of other men, newly formed online groups for guys, and especially with my connection of writing, sharing and reading through CURE Magazine, my expedition through breast cancer has become a “treasure hunt” in a way, with the opportunity to find a little gold in each and every day.

William Ramshaw, a six-year survivor of pancreatic cancer, said: What am I to do with the days I’ve been given? Having lost countless good friends to a garden variety of cancers, I often wonder why they’re gone and I’m still here. A dozen years ago, I got the news no one wants, “I’m sorry you have pancreatic cancer.” With most getting this news not seeing two years, and few seeing five, I didn’t expect to make it. So, what am I to do with the days I’ve been given? I am still trying to figure that out. For now, I’ll live the best life I can for the many who didn’t make it.

Ron Cooper, who received a diagnosis of prostate cancer in 2014 and is currently in active surveillance, said: This important month always fills my heart with gratitude to everyone standing by my side for the past 11 years. Thank you to my capable treatment team for ordering the appropriate tests and procedures to keep my prostate cancer in check. Thank you to my cancer support group for their friendship and moral support. Most of all, thank you to my wife Tanya, my best friend and caregiver, always willing to listen to my anxious rants about this terrible disease. Early on, she gave me a wall plaque with the uplifting poem entitled “What Cancer Cannot Do.” Thanks, sweetheart!

Martha Carlson, who received a diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer in 2015, said: I have a hard time calling myself a “survivor” because, to me, that means cancer is in the past; however, cancer has been my present for over a decade. It is so important to remind everyone in the cancer world that the effects of this disease go far beyond what is most obvious to the eye — baldness, weight changes, etc. — during harsh treatments. Surviving cancer isn’t just one part of how patients experience their diagnosis but support and awareness of survivorship issues reaches across us all.

Jane Biehl, a 12-year survivor of myelodysplastic syndrome, said: Survivorship means to me acknowledging the miracle of research, excellent medical care, and the support of friends and family, as I am still miraculously alive 15 years out from my original diagnosis. I am also grateful for CURE and other publications that make me feel less lonely and enable me to reach out to others.

Felicia Mitchell, a stage 2b HER2-positive breast cancer survivor, said: Truly, thanks to modern medicine and caring individuals who helped me to heal, I am mindful each and every moment that my life is a wondrous gift. I try to be worthy of it.

Marissa Holzer, is a “flattie” with metastatic breast cancer and has been since March 2014, said: Survivorship as a metastatic breast cancer patient is complicated and has many layers. I do not fit the typical survivor narrative. I have not overcome my cancer. I am surviving with advanced cancer. Each day that I am still here reminds me of how grateful I am to research, science and all of those who make it possible for my continued survival.

Laura Yeager, a two-time breast cancer survivor, said: This is my reflection on being alive. Since this is National Cancer Survivors Month, and I’m a two-time breast cancer survivor, I’d just like to say that I’m happy to see my son, Thomas, grow up, and to grow older with my husband, Stephen, of 28 years. Thank you, Lord, for keeping me around. Amen.

Julie S. Brokaw, an ovarian cancer survivor who was diagnosed in January 2013, said: Tomorrow is not promised. I am living each day as my best day. I am letting go of burdens that have brought me darkness. I am reaching out to those who I need in my life. I am an advocate for me! Survivorship is why I am here today. I have beaten the odds so far. The bumps in the road have been difficult, yet they have made me stronger.Seize each day! Love each day! Live each day! Carpe’ Diem!

Georgia Hurst, a fierce patient advocate for those with Lynch syndrome, said: National Cancer Survivors Month honors not only those who have faced cancer but also previvors like me, living with hereditary cancer risk through Lynch syndrome. Being a previvor means staying vigilant with medical care and screenings, making difficult decisions about prophylactic surgeries, and undergoing frequent screenings to stay ahead. This month serves as a reminder that survivorship isn’t just about a past diagnosis but rather the ongoing journey of prevention, resilience, and hope. For previvors, it’s about courageously navigating uncertainty and choosing proactive care to redefine what survival truly means.

Kelly Irvin, who was diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer in January 2016, said: This year National Cancer Survivorship Month helped me finally see myself as a survivor, even though I’ll be in treatment for ovarian cancer for the rest of my life. Nine-plus years of living with cancer has been tough — still is tough — but I’ve also learned to count my blessings: outstanding medical care from an entire team of professionals, good insurance, leaving my day job to write fiction full-time, and time spend with family — especially my grandchildren. Cancer has taught me to be present and make every minute count. That’s what cancer survivors do!

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