June 7 is Cancer Survivors Day

This Sunday, June 7, 2020, marks the 9th Annual CNMI Cancer Survivors Day Celebration of Life—the day set aside each year to recognize cancer survivors, raise awareness of the ongoing challenges cancer survivors face because of their disease, and celebrate life.

With nearly 17 million people living with and beyond cancer in the U.S. today—and more than 43 million cancer survivors worldwide—everyone knows someone whose life has been touched by cancer. On Sunday, June 7, 2020, people around the world will coming together to acknowledge these cancer survivors, and to raise awareness of the challenges of cancer survivorship, as part of the 33rd Annual National Cancer Survivors Day.

According to Commonwealth Cancer Association executive director Juan Babauta, “A ‘survivor’ is anyone living with a history of cancer—from the moment of diagnosis through the remainder of life.”

“When people hear the words ‘you have cancer,’ it can be very frightening,” said CCA board president Bo Palacios. “But there is hope. Today’s cancer survivors are living longer, with better quality lives than ever before. Commonwealth Cancer Survivors Day gives our survivors—and those who support them—a special day each year to celebrate life and to show the world that you can have a good life after a cancer diagnosis.

“CCA is also a call to action. Cancer survivors face ongoing, often long-lasting, hardships because of their disease. On Commonwealth Cancer Survivors Day, we want to raise awareness of the many challenges of cancer survivorship and advocate for further research, more resources, and increased public awareness to improve the lives of cancer survivors.”

“Everyone with cancer, who’s had cancer in the past, or who knows someone with cancer should have hope,” said Commonwealth Health Center oncologist Dr. Peter Brett. “Although not everyone with cancer can be cured, with today’s care most people with cancer will have an improved quality of life and length of life, and will have a better chance of staying well for longer. With improved treatments, many people who have had cancer will never have it recur or come back. It’s always important to pay attention to healthy behaviors that can help, too, like regular exercise and a healthy diet.” (PR)

CCA is encouraging everyone—cancer survivors, caregivers, healthcare professionals, family members, and friends—to join the celebration.

Due to COVID-19, many of the public events scheduled to celebrate CNMI Cancer Survivors Day have been canceled. However, that doesn’t mean that the celebration is canceled. You can connect with cancer survivors and supporters around the islands on Sunday, June 7, by connecting to the CNMI Cancer Survivors Day®site on Facebook (Facebook.com/CancerSurvivorsDay), or website (www.ccamarianas.org). (PR)