The courage and determination of cancer survivors is an inspiration to all. On June 4, the world will be celebrating the gift of life on National Cancer Survivor’s Day. Events will be held in over 700 communities in the United States and other countries, including the “Aloha Spirit: A Celebration of Life” event sponsored by Central Maine Medical Center at Lost Valley Lodge in Auburn.

A “survivor” is anyone living with cancer – from the moment of diagnosis through the remainder of life, according to the National Cancer Survivor’s Day Foundation. In the United States alone, there are more than 10 million people living with a history of cancer. These people are living proof that a cancer diagnosis is not an automatic death sentence.

Major advances in cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment have resulted in longer survival. However, cancer can leave a host of problems in its wake. Physical, financial, and emotional hardships often persist after treatment ends. Survivors may face challenges, such as hindered access to cancer specialists and promising new treatments, inadequate insurance, financial hardships and employment problems, as well as dealing with the emotional aftermath of surviving a life-threatening illness. Despite these difficulties, cancer survivors can lead active, productive lives.

As the organizers of this local National Cancer Survivor’s Day event, we hope our community’s cancer survivors, their families, friends and health care providers can attend this celebration of life.

Kerry Irish, chairperson, National Cancer Survivor’s Day 2006,

Central Maine Comprehensive Cancer Center, Lewiston