June is National Cancer Survivor Month: Support is Still Crucial

Completing treatment for cancer often causes a person to experience a mixture of emotions. Feelings of happiness and relief that treatment is over is usually combined with worry and fear about the future. June is National Cancer Survivor Month, a time to celebrate life and raise awareness of the ongoing challenges cancer survivors face.

There are currently 16.9 million cancer survivors in the United States. According to Gilda’s Club Westchester, “Many survivors or those who are post-treatment express concerns about ‘re-entering’ their life.”

Here are 10 actions cancer survivors can take to restore balance and calm in their lives, according to the Cancer Support Community:

1. Make one decision at a time: Try to focus on the present and avoid thinking about worst-case scenarios for the future. This will help you feel more in control.
2. Ask for support: Communicate how you feel with your family and friends and share how they can help you, including helping with errands or just simply being there to listen.
3. Communicate with your health care team: Stay in contact with your health care team and keep them updated on how you are feeling. Prepare for appointments by writing down questions ahead of time and asking a family member or friend to come along if possible.
4. Retain as much control over your life as possible: As you recover, start taking back some of the activities and decisions that were handled by others while you were in treatment.
5. Seek support from other cancer survivors: People usually find comfort when they talk to others who have had similar experiences.
6. Learn relaxation techniques: Relaxation is something that can require practice. Find time to listen to music, read a book or take a walk. Yoga, tai-chi, or meditation programs are also helpful.
7. Do what you enjoy: Take part in activities that you enjoy and feel comfortable doing.
8. Make healthy lifestyle choices: Improve your diet, establish an exercise routine, get enough rest, and socialize to feel better physically and emotionally.
9. Maintain a spirit of hope: Set small goals and enjoy the pleasures of daily life. Family, culture, and your spiritual beliefs may help you see hope in a new light.

Gilda’s Club Westchester offers a variety of programs and services that address issues pertaining to life after cancer, including short-term counseling, an educational and supportive survivorship series, and a spirituality discussion group. For more information on programs for post treatment survivors, please call 914-644-8844 or visit https://gildasclubwestchester.org/i-have-finished-treatment/.