A press release for National Cancer Survivors Day, which is this Sunday, arrived in my in-box a couple of weeks ago and got me thinking about the disease. When I was younger, I thought it was equivalent to a death sentence. But after watching both my mother-in-law and stepmother survive breast cancer, I am well aware that often there is life after the menacing and still very threatening disease.

National Cancer Survivors Day is an important tribute to the world’s cancer survivors. It’s a celebration of life that gives hope to the newly diagnosed patient and applauds those who have won past battles.

While I’d hate to see the day turn into a commercialized Hallmark holiday, it does provide a good opportunity to acknowledge those in your life who have overcome cancer or are battling it now. It’s unfortunate that we need such a reminder, but I’m glad it exists. It shouldn’t take a loved one’s brush with death to inspire us to slow down from our busy lives and truly appreciate and savor them. Unfortunately, as I can personally attest, sometimes that is the case.

It is estimated that there are 10.1 million cancer survivors. I bet you know at least one of them. This Sunday is a nice time to think a special thought or send a little extra love his or her way.

If you, or they, are struggling or need support or additional information on the subject, check out cancermonthly.com, which offers details on survival rates, side effects of the latest cancer treatments, and access to news, trials, reports, hospitals, chat rooms, and more.

Erika Lenkert

Technorati Tags: cancer, advice, tips, health, treatments, survivor, help, side effects, news

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