Cancer Survivors Day

National Cancer Survivors Day occurs in early June each year. This amazing time is one for celebration of the people in your life who have lived through cancer. You can honor your loved ones and their life journeys with these tips:

Get tested

If the cancer survivor you are celebrating is a blood relative, it’s a good idea to get checked for the disease they had. You could also spend time looking into your family history to gain insight into cancers and other health problems that may be genetic. Talk to your doctor to establish your chances of potentially having the disease yourself. You’ll be honoring your friend or loved one by using what they’ve learned during their cancer journey to improve your health.

Host or partake in a walk

Raising awareness and funds for cancer research is incredibly important. It’s also a wonderful way to spend National Cancer Survivors Day. There are many events across the country at all times of the year that offer people the chance to spread the word and raise money for specific diseases. Go online to find an event near you, like a walk to end breast cancer or a 5K for colon cancer. If there isn’t one involving the cancer your loved one survived, consider creating an event yourself! Find a worthy charity to donate the proceeds to so they will help scientists who are working towards finding a cure. Ask your loved one to join in as the guest of honor – he or she is sure to appreciate your thoughtfulness and effort.

Help your loved one connect with other survivors

When a person is officially in remission, their health fears likely do not suddenly dissipate. People who have had one kind of cancer have an increased risk of developing a second, or of having health issues associated with the treatments they’ve been through. Many have less-capable immune systems due to chemotherapy and radiation and are susceptible to colds and viruses. There are also lasting emotional effects, like the lingering thoughts that the disease may return. Plus, it can be lonely to be the only one filled with such deep-rooted worries. Uniting cancer survivors can be a wonderful gift as these individuals can become fast friends over discussions of similar health troubles. Encourage your loved one to meet with other survivors to help him or her not feel alone.