This month is National Cancer Survivor Month and thanks to advances in cancer prevention, early detection, treatment and follow-up care, more people than ever are surviving the disease. According to the American Cancer Society’s Cancer Treatment & Survivorship Facts & Figures 2014 — 2015, there are 14.5 million cancer survivors alive in the U.S. today, and that number is expected to grow to almost 19 million by 2024.
I am a proud cancer survivor. I was diagnosed with breast cancer in early 2005. I underwent a lumpectomy in April, had eight rounds of chemotherapy over a four month period and had six weeks of radiation of that same year. I am excited to say I have been breast cancer free for 10 years. Unfortunately, in late 2010, I was diagnosed with uterine cancer. I had a complete hysterectomy and I am happy to say that I am four years uterine cancer free.
I personally would like to salute all cancer survivors because I know firsthand the emotional struggles we all have faced.
If you would like more information on how to become involved in our event in August, please contact Erin Entwistle at erin.entwistle@cancer.org.
Sheryl Jonas
