INDIANAPOLIS, IN — 6/3/09 — On Sunday, June 7, the American Cancer Society
will join millions of Americans in honoring cancer survivors as part of the
22nd annual National Cancer Survivors Day. There are more than 11 million
cancer survivors living in the United States, and their ranks are growing.
It is estimated that by 2020 there will be some 20 million people living
with a history of cancer. With increased survivorship comes increased demand
for services that help cancer patients get through their treatment.
“The fact that 11 million cancer survivors will celebrate another birthday
this year makes clear that together with our supporters, the American Cancer
Society is making real progress against this disease,” said Elizabeth T.H.
Fontham, M.P.H, Dr.P.H., national volunteer president, American Cancer
Society. “Cancer death rates have been dropping steadily since the early
1990s, which translates to some 650,000 lives – and countless birthdays —
saved from cancer during that period.”
The Society recently launched its “The Official Sponsor Of Birthdays”
campaign, which highlights the ways the organization saves lives and strives
to create a world with less cancer and more birthdays. In working toward
this goal, the Society provides free and confidential programs and services
to address a wide range of needs for anyone facing cancer or caring for a
person with cancer, from day-to-day help to the latest information and
emotional support. Demand for these critical services has increased nearly
20 percent this year compared to last year, possibly due to increasing
numbers of survivors or economic realities of the recession.
Some examples of how the Society can help people focus on getting well
include: facilitating transportation to doctor appointments and treatments,
lodging assistance for treatment away from home, one-on-one guidance from
patient navigators, emotional support through its online community (Cancer
Survivors Network), and other services to cope with the physical, social,
emotional and financial toll cancer can take on their lives. Anyone can
access these programs and services by calling 1-800-227-2345 or logging on
to cancer.org.
“National Cancer Survivors Day is the perfect time to let people know about
all the ways the American Cancer Society can help during every step of the
cancer experience and beyond,” added Dr. Fontham. “Whether you are still on
the journey to get well, need tips and tools to help stay well after
treatment, want to support our efforts to find cures, or are ready to join
with others to fight back against the disease, the American Cancer Society
is in your corner.”
National Cancer Survivors Day coincides with the American Cancer Society
Relay For Life® season. Now in its 25th birthday year, Relay For Life is the
world’s largest movement to end cancer. It brings together more than 3.5
million people each year to celebrate the lives of those who have battled
cancer, remember loved ones lost and fight back against the disease. Relay
For Life events are held in more than 5,000 communities throughout the
United States and 20 other countries. Since 1985 these events have raised
more than $3 billion to help support the Society’s lifesaving mission, while
providing an opportunity for cancer survivors to celebrate their experience
and make lasting connections with others.
National Cancer Survivors Day is organized by the National Cancer Survivors
Day Foundation.
About the American Cancer Society
The American Cancer Society combines an unyielding passion with nearly a
century of experience to save lives and end suffering from cancer. As a
global grassroots force of more than three million volunteers, we fight for
every birthday threatened by every cancer in every community. We save lives
by helping people stay well by preventing cancer or detecting it early;
helping people get well by being there for them during and after a cancer
diagnosis; by finding cures through investment in groundbreaking discovery;
and by fighting back by rallying lawmakers to pass laws to defeat cancer and
by rallying communities worldwide to join the fight. As the nation’s largest
non-governmental investor in cancer research, contributing more than $3.4
billion, we turn what we know about cancer into what we do. As a result,
more than 11 million people in America who have had cancer and countless
more who have avoided it will be celebrating birthdays this year. To learn
more about us or to get help, call us anytime, day or night, at
1-800-227-2345 or visit cancer.org.
