Cancer Survivor Networks by guest blogger David Haas

This was written by guest blogger David Haas. Thanks, David!

For those who have battled cancer, finding a cancer survivor program is often one of the most beneficial steps towards healthy living and sustained recovery. With over 12 million cancer survivors living in the United States, cancer survivor programs allow patients to partner with the people and organizations that can best understand and serve them. These programs are designed to help patients assess risk and develop a plan for healthy living in order to properly handle the long-term effects of cancer treatment and diagnosis .

Typically, cancer survivor programs conduct a thorough evaluation of a patient, including diagnosis and medical history. After the consultation, a treatment plan is recommended that includes an assessment of physical and emotional risks as well as a suggested plan to manage long-term effects and potentially extend a life expectancy if the prognosis is bad. Additional referrals are sometimes made for supplementary treatments such as nutrition guides, acupuncture, counseling or therapeutic massages.

Because the effects of cancer are far-reaching and often overwhelming, patients are frequently left with emotional and psychological distress as well. Cancer survivor programs are able to take a holistic approach to healing by focusing on all issues surrounding cancer. These personal issues can sometimes include increased levels of stress, grief and depression, and professional treatment is often necessary to ensure a healthy mind, body and soul. By providing counseling and additional resources, cancer survivor programs are able to comprehensively assist patients fighting cancer and remind them that they are not alone in their fight.

Perhaps one of the most notable cancer survivor resources is Livestrong.com. Founded by award-winning cyclist and cancer survivor Lance Armstrong, LIVESTRONG provides cancer survivors with a wealth of knowledge and resources in order to improve the lives of those affected by cancer.

An additional resource for information on cancer survivor programs is http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/coping/survivorship. This government site includes a variety of research including statistics, post-resource studies and interactive online information.

Cancer survivor programs help many people with many different types of cancer including breast cancer , bone cancer, and even rare and terminal cancers such as mesothelioma. None of these people are alone in their fight. Cancer survivor programs are available to help patients improve their quality of life and ensure that resources are available to those on the path towards health and wellness.

By: David Haas