National Cancer Survival Day

By Tanya Maswaure

“Cancer shaped me, but it did not define me. It’s part of me, but not all of me,” – Hoda Kotb

Cancer is one of the world’s largest health problems. The Global Burden of Disease estimates that 9.56 million people died prematurely as a result of cancer in 2017. Every sixth death in the world is due to cancer. Fortunately, this same research has also shown that due to awareness, early detection and improvements in treatment the rate of survival is increasing. We live amongst thousands of cancer survivors who have fought the battle and pulled through and the National Cancer Survival day is a celebration of these survivors.

The 5th of June 2022 was the National Cancer Survival day, and Amazon’s Watch is here to shine a positive light on this day of celebration. Here is everything you need to know about National Cancer Survival Day.

According to the official website, National Cancer Survivors Day is an annual, treasured Celebration of Life held in hundreds of communities nationwide and worldwide on the first Sunday in June.

 It is a CELEBRATION for those who have survived, an INSPIRATION for those recently diagnosed, a gathering of SUPPORT for families, and an OUTREACH to the community.

 It is an unfortunate reality everyone has had some sort of contact with cancer, whether it is through family, friends, or even personally. It is indeed a battle that cannot be fought alone, which is why days like these are important.

For everyone, it is essential to create an environment for acceptance and positive association with a disease that has riddled the global community.

In 2020, there were 2.3 million women diagnosed with breast cancer and 685 000 deaths globally. WHO stated that there are 7.8 million women alive diagnosed with breast cancer in the last five years; making it the world’s most prevalent type of cancer.

 Fortunately, there is also an increase in recoveries as awareness spreads. These survivors have every right to celebrate and live joyful lives.

It is also important for them to share their survival stories. On National Cancer Survivors Day, people worldwide unite to recognise cancer survivors, raise awareness of the ongoing challenges cancer survivors face, and – most importantly – celebrate life.

This day was launched by the National Cancer Survivors Day Foundation and provides free guidance, education, and networking to hundreds of hospitals, support groups, and other cancer-related organisations that host NCSD events in their communities. Through National Cancer Survivors Day, the Foundation works to improve the quality of life of cancer survivors by raising awareness of the challenges of cancer survivorship and how to manage these challenges. The National Cancer Survivors Day Foundation defines a survivor as anyone living with a history of cancer – from the moment of diagnosis through the remainder of life.

Although this is a day recognised in the United States, Amazon’s Watch would like to take this moment to celebrate all cancer survivors and those who are also fighting against cancers of any kind. Life is worth celebrating, and we will take every opportunity to enjoy it.

Special thanks to The National Cancer Survivors Day Foundation https://ncsd.org/