We all know someone who has been touched by cancer.  It could be your friend, co-worker, neighbor or a relative.  Just in America alone, there are 11 million people who are cancer survivors.

            Cancer prevention advances have resulted in longer survival rates. However, surviving cancer can leave a host of problems to deal with.  Many cancer survivors face emotional, physical and financial hardships for years after diagnosis and treatment. 

            The National Cancer Institute’s data shows that:

• 64 percent of adults diagnosed today will be living in 5 yrs
• 22% are breast cancer survivors
• 61% are age 65 and older
• 1 out of every 6 people over age 65 are a cancer survivor
• 79% of childhood cancer survivors will live 5 years after diagnosis and 75 percent will live 10 years following diagnosis

            In the past public health programs concentrated on early prevention and detection.  However, focus has now extended to include people surviving cancer and research into guidelines to improve health promotion to these survivors.  Cancer survivors can lead active and productive lives even though they face many challenges.