Whether you’re a patient or a pharmacist, we share a common goal: to be our best, brightest, and healthiest selves. Some health journeys are smoother or rougher than others. Still, it’s the effort to improve ourselves that ultimately matters. 

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This is just one facet of National Cancer Survivors Day. It is a celebration of life, health, and how the two complement each other.

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You or someone you know has likely fought the good fight against cancer, which means you likely have witnessed how difficult the fight can be.

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National Cancer Survivors Day reminds us to celebrate our health and the importance of maintaining it. It also reminds us that raising awareness and being healthy is not just holiday fodder — it is a way of life. 

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Here’s how you can make the most of National Cancer Survivors Day.

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When is National Cancer Survivors Day?

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National Cancer Survivors Day falls on the first Sunday of June. This year, it will fall on June 4. 

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It is a nationwide celebration “for those who have survived, an inspiration for those recently diagnosed, a gathering of support for families, and an outreach to the community,” according to the National Cancer Survivors Day website. 

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At the time of writing, there are more than 18 million cancer survivors, about 5% of the U.S. population.

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National Cancer Survivors Day also sheds light on the challenges of cancer survivorship, whether from a financial or health perspective. 

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The National Cancer Survivors Day Foundation provides free guidance, education, and networking to all organizations that celebrate the holiday. They ensure that patients are well-equipped to survive and thrive in life after beating cancer. 

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Visit their website to learn more about how the Foundation helps improve the quality of life of cancer survivors. 

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How to Celebrate National Cancer Survivors Day 

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You can celebrate National Cancer Survivors in small and big ways. What matters is you stay true to your health and well-being. Your health journey is unique, but we all have a common destination: greater health and greater happiness. 

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Schedule Early Detection Screenings

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One of the most effective ways to beat cancer is to detect it early. Early detection ensures you have a better shot at fighting cancer. It also helps your health journey maintain its general trajectory. 

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A recent development, however, has challenged the effectiveness of early detection screenings. 

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A 2022 study by NORC at the University of Chicago found that only 14% of cancers were detected through preventive screening. The rest of the diagnoses tend to show up when a patient goes in for a regular check-up or seeks medical care for other reasons. 

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Even so, early detection screenings play a vital role in fighting and surviving cancer. Scientists and researchers are developing screening tech that will increase its effectiveness. Though 14% sounds low, it is absolutely better than nothing. 

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Early detection screenings — or any screening for that matter — are seldom convenient, but it helps prevent a problem from growing into a bigger one. Talk to your primary care physician about early-detection screenings. 

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Donate to Cancer Research 

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The fight to beat cancer is an ongoing one. At the time of writing, there is no definitive cure for cancer. Though there is a wide array of effective treatments, the fight against cancer remains a tough one.

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That’s what makes cancer research so important. Scientists, researchers, and healthcare professionals alike continue to search for that cure. Every bit of research progress is a monumental step forward, just like how donations can go a pricelessly long way. 

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You can donate to cancer research to any of the following: 

• St. Jude
• American Cancer Society 
• Cancer Research Institute 
• Breast Cancer Research Foundation 
• V Foundation 

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Whatever amount you give, you’re profoundly helping fight the good fight against cancer — a more than worthy way to celebrate National Cancer Survivors Day. 

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Develop a Survivorship Care Plan

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National Cancer Survivors Day celebrates the victory of all victories. For the individual, the fight against cancer is a long and painful one. Now you’ve reached the light at the end of the tunnel, and life goes on. 

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As mentioned earlier, National Cancer Survivors Day raises awareness of the bumpy road ahead: cancer survivorship. Surviving cancer brings its own share of obstacles, adjustments, and growing pains. 

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This can range from financial problems, to your body acclimating to new treatments, and how your survivorship affects your health journey. 

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There’s also the mental side of cancer survivorship. Cancer.Net goes in-depth on what to expect after beating cancer. Simply put, life goes on, mundanity and all. 

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The website explains some common experiences among cancer survivors:

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• Uncertainty about the future
• Fear that cancer will come back
• Feelings of survivor guilt
• Interest in “giving back” to the cancer community 
• Changing family or friend dynamics 

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Whether you or a loved one is a cancer survivor, know that they are not alone in what lies ahead. 

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Participate or Hold Community Events

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The fight against cancer is an uphill battle, and cancer survivorship has its own share of obstacles. It can be difficult to remember you’re not alone. 

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Community events are a great way to bring the community together for a fantastic purpose. The National Cancer Survivors Day Foundation provides a wealth of resources to hold community events. 

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They also provide several event themes to choose from. Some of them include: 

• Enjoy the Ride
• The Fabric of Hope
• I Will Survive (named after the disco song) 
• Joie de Vivre
• Cancer Survivors Fiesta

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Check out the Foundation’s “Choose a Theme” page for more theme ideas. 

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Check if anyone in your community — like doctors or independent pharmacists — is already holding community events for National Cancer Survivors Day. If not, you might want to have a word with them to maximize outreach. 

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Conclusion

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Simply put, National Cancer Survivors Day is a celebration of life. It reminds us to live our best and healthiest lives. 

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Whether you’re helping hold a community event, developing a cancer survivorship plan, or donating to cancer research, you’re helping raise awareness about cancer survivorship. 

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You’re giving hope to those who are struggling by reminding everyone we’re all in this together. That is the very essence of National Cancer Survivors Day. 

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