Recognizing resilience during National Cancer Survivor Month

By Dr. Amy Fox

Every June, the country celebrates National Cancer Survivor Month. During this month, the first Sunday in June is National Cancer Survivor Day.

There are approximately 16.9 million cancer survivors in the United States. According to the National Cancer Institute, someone is considered a cancer survivor from the time of diagnosis through the rest of their life. Some patients prefer to count from their day of diagnosis while others begin counting after their first cancer-free post-treatment scan.

The National Cancer Survivor Day Foundation (NCSDF) states that National Cancer Survivor Day 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 also a time to recognize the unique challenges that cancer survivors face whether they are physical, emotional, or financial.

Each cancer survivor’s journey is a unique one. The month of June gives us all an opportunity to celebrate their resilience in the face of a serious and challenging diagnosis.

This national observance also serves to increase awareness about the importance of cancer screening. Almost everyone knows someone who has been personally affected by a cancer diagnosis. The month shines a light on all forms of cancer, including the types that are most commonly diagnosed in the state of Florida:
• Breast (Female)
• Prostate
• Lung and Bronchus
• Colon and Rectum
• Melanoma of the Skin
• Uterine
• Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
• Bladder

Your Partner in the Fight Against Cancer
As Southwest Florida’s local partner in the fight against cancer, Advocate Radiation Oncology understands that every patient is different. For our team of board-certified radiation oncologists, each patient is a unique individual with his/her own cancer journey. After all, a cancer diagnosis and oncology appointments can feel overwhelming. Our team knows firsthand how important it is to provide the most comfortable experience possible during each patient’s journey. We are committed to every single patient we serve, offering the support and care they need to treat and conquer their cancer.

With decades of experience, our world-class experts deliver personalized treatment plans that use the latest techniques to address given individual’s needs. The length of any given patient’s treatment varies based on many factors, including their type and stage of cancer.

Advocate Radiation Oncology offers the
following treatments:
• External Beam Radiotherapy (EBRT)
• Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT)
• High-Dose Rate Brachytherapy (HDR)
• Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS)
• Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT)
• Surface-Guided Radiation Therapy (SGRT)
• Deep-Inspiration Breath Hold (DIBH)

As the region’s premier locally owned and operated radiation oncology practice, we are honored to offer the best cancer treatment technology available. Along with a compassionate medical staff, our conveniently located practices make it easier for many patients to begin treatment quickly and complete treatment comfortably.

Honoring National Cancer Survivor Month
Please join our team in observing National Cancer Survivor’s Month. Together, we can bring critical awareness to the need for cancer screenings and advocate for those battling cancer and recovering from cancer treatment.

About the Author
Dr. Amy Fox is a board-certified radiation oncologist at Advocate Radiation Oncology.

For more information, please visit AdvocateRO.com.

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