The first Sunday of June is marked as a day for everyone to join in solidarity with cancer survivors around the world. 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. Thousands gather across the globe to honor cancer survivors and to show the world that life after a cancer diagnosis can be fulfilling, rewarding, and inspiring. The National Cancer Survivors Day was first announced by Merril Hastings at the second national conference meeting of the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship in Albuquerque, New Mexico , on November 20, 1987 [1].
Background
Cancer survivors are those patients who having had cancer are, following treatment, now cured of the disease. They are complex patients with a variety of long-term risks and comorbidities including cardiovascular disease and damage, decreased bone health, hematologic dysfunction, changes in appearance, distress, changes in sexuality and fertility, treatment side effects, and necessary lifestyle changes. [2]
Cancer survivorship rates are much lower in Africa than in western countries. The 5-year survival rates for breast and other gynecological cancers in Africa are less than 50% and 30%, respectively, whereas in developed countries survivorship rates are 88% and 74%, respectively [3].
Cancer survivorship rates are much lower in Africa than in western countries. The 5-year survival rates for breast and other gynecological cancers in Africa are less than 50% and 30%, respectively, whereas in developed countries survivorship rates are 88% and 74%, respectively [3].
Solutions
There is a large opportunity for cancer prevention and control programs to improve health outcomes in the region. Large differences between incidence and mortality suggest poor outcomes and substantial case-fatality from cancers [4]. Yet primary prevention remains key in sub-Saharan Africa, where there is a need to prioritize the most cost-effective means of reducing the cancer burden. Improved access to diagnosis and treatment, including palliative care, is also essential to improve survival and limit suffering from the disease in the region.
As the number of cancer survivors continues to grow, it is becoming ever more important to address the unique needs of this population. In addition to facing a serious illness, cancer survivors must contend with rapidly rising medical costs; inadequate insurance coverage; difficulty finding or keeping employment; and ongoing physical, psychological, and financial struggles that persist even after treatment ends.
As the number of cancer survivors continues to grow, it is becoming ever more important to address the unique needs of this population. In addition to facing a serious illness, cancer survivors must contend with rapidly rising medical costs; inadequate insurance coverage; difficulty finding or keeping employment; and ongoing physical, psychological, and financial struggles that persist even after treatment ends.
Laying the foundation for UHC
The Kenya Cancer Policy 2019-2030 provides for a framework to comprehensively address cancer control in Kenya through the systematic implementation of evidence-based interventions for prevention, screening, timely diagnosis, treatment, survivorship and palliative care, financing, monitoring, and research.
Navigating the Cancer Experience: Treatment and Supportive Care
Cancer Rehabilitation
Cancer rehabilitation often involves an interdisciplinary approach and focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of specific cognitive and physical difficulties that are best addressed by qualified specialists such as physiatrists, who specialize in rehabilitation medicine, and physical, occupational, and speech therapists [3].
Key Messages/Recommendations
Surviving cancer has many hurdles, but with proper self-care including nutrition, exercise, and mental support, cancer survivors can thrive. Treatment involves not only managing all aspects of the cancer itself, but also the psychosocial and rehabilitation needs of the patients and their families. Psychosocial support is particularly important because, in many countries, cancer is greatly feared and stigmatized.
There are a few great ideas for showing the cancer survivor in your life how much you care about them.
• Pick an adventure
• Spend time with them
• Participate in runs
• Donate to cancer research
• Donate your hair to Donate a Wig
There are various support groups for cancer survivors
• https://africacancerfoundation.org/
• https://cansa.org.za/cansas-care-support/support-groups/
• https://farajacancersupport.org/
• https://www.kenyacancer.org/
There are a few great ideas for showing the cancer survivor in your life how much you care about them.
• Pick an adventure
• Spend time with them
• Participate in runs
• Donate to cancer research
• Donate your hair to Donate a Wig
There are various support groups for cancer survivors
• https://africacancerfoundation.org/
• https://cansa.org.za/cansas-care-support/support-groups/
• https://farajacancersupport.org/
• https://www.kenyacancer.org/