This Sunday June 6, 2010 will mark the 23rd annual National Cancer Survivors Day. This event has been observed in the United States, Canada and abroad as a mark of life after cancer diagnosis. The National Cancer Survivors Day Foundation, a non-profit organization, encourages friends and families of cancer survivors to celebrate this landmark with an event in their own community. The Foundation is happy to support and help organize events free of charge.
A cancer survivor, according to the National Cancer Survivors Day Foundation, is anyone living with a history of cancer. NCSD aims to celebrate such people, their accomplishments and life after diagnosis.
In the past, communities have hosted carnivals, speakers, performers, tea parties and walks to celebrate this landmark day. But the National Cancer Survivors Day foundation encourages communities to host an array of events and will guide them with their free 14- page guide. The NCDS website also includes a list of original and creative ways to celebrate this monumental day as well as plenty of resources and contacts to assist in planning the ideal event.
Among those survivors celebrating their triumph over cancer are those with mesothelioma. Many of those diagnosed with mesothelioma are veterans of the armed forces, particularly those who served in the Navy. Between World War II and the Vietnam war, those soldiers completing tours were exposed to high levels of airborne asbestos. Aside from veterans, many other occupations including shipyard workers, construction workers, pipefitters and shipyard workers are all at a higher risk for developing mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma cancer is an aggressive disease that is caused by exposure to asbestos fibers. When asbestos is inhaled into the body, the fibers attack the mesothelium, a thin layer of tissue protecting the body’s vital organs. Mesothelioma appears in three forms: pleural which is the most common and affects the lining of the lungs, pericardial which affects the linings of the heart and peritoneal which affects the lining of the stomach.
Unfortunately this form of cancer can sit in the body for 20-50 years until it’s diagnosed. The similarities of the symptoms to that of influenza and bronchitis makes mesothelioma prognosis extremely difficult for patients. Because of the latency of diagnosis, harsh treatment regimes like mesothelioma chemotherapy and radiation are necessary.
At this time there is no known cure for the cancer; making the mesothelioma survival rate unfortunately low. Still, there are documented cases of patients surviving mesothelioma.
National Cancer Survivors Day gives communities an opportunity to celebrate such a milestone. The events on June 6th strive to recognize that while being diagnosed with cancer is a defining moment in an individual’s life it does not have to be the end. Surviving cancer is an accomplishment that should be recognized daily but National Cancer Survivors Day gives those who have lived through cancer a chance to celebrate with the people who know their journey best. Don’t miss this year’s National Cancer Survivors Day. Organize an event in your community and take part in this meaningful celebration.
