Sunday is National Cancer Survivors Day, a day to celebrate the friends and family members in your life who have faced cancer. Cancer survivors are incredible advocates for encouraging their friends and family to learn about the lifesaving power of prevention and early detection. About 50 percent of all cancer cases diagnosed today are attributed to preventable causes. We asked some cancer survivors and advocates to share with us why they care about prevention and early detection:
“Do not delay. Do not reschedule. Early detection saves lives. It’s so important to educate yourself and be aware of the signs and symptoms.”
Shannon Miller, Olympic gymnast & ovarian cancer survivor
“My cancer and chemotherapy treatments made me more vulnerable to other types of cancer, so I follow strict guidelines to ensure I stay as healthy as possible to avoid getting cancer again… Having cancer was my wake-up call to start taking care of my body, but you shouldn’t have to be a survivor to make healthy lifestyle changes.” Lauren Antognoli, Hodgkin lymphoma survivor
“Waiting has a price. Every month, in the shower, check yourself. If you notice anything, go to a doctor. Share this information with every guy in your life―you never know whose life you might be saving.”
Jonny Imerman, testicular cancer survivor
“As a survivor, I continue to relish each day with friends and family, and to celebrate each ‘all clear’ checkup. Several people, including the radiation oncologist, heard my story and scheduled their colonoscopies. I am the ‘early screening’ poster child, having had perfect health, a normal CEA, no symptoms, no family history and Stage IV colorectal cancer. Please take screening seriously. It may save your life.”
Linda Hogg, colorectal cancer survivor
“I shudder to think of what would have happened to me if I hadn’t detected my melanoma early. If you don’t take care of yourself, no one else will. As part of my crusade, at least one later-stage melanoma has been diagnosed and countless friends and acquaintances have stopped tanning. I will continue to tell my story to defeat this preventable cancer.”
Jessica Sparks, physician and melanoma survivor
“Prevention against developing cancer is key. Even though I have a predisposition to developing one or more cancers in my lifetime because I have Lynch syndrome, my genes do not have to determine my destiny. We need to focus on cancer prevention, instead of sitting passively waiting for a ‘cure.’ We know what causes many cancers, but we do not incorporate preventive measures into our daily lives.”
Georgia M. Hurst, lost two brothers to colon cancer
Hug a survivor today and make healthy choices that can help reduce your risk for cancer. Pay attention to changes in your body and talk to your health care professional about the screening options that are right for you. For more information about preventing cancer or detecting it early, visit our website.
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