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On June 5, 2016, we celebrate National Cancer Survivors Day – a day to celebrate those who have survived, a time to inspire those recently diagnosed, and a gathering of support for families. The day is observed in many different ways. Around the U.S. and in 18 other countries , community groups, hospitals, and other organizations hold breakfasts, picnics, walks, fun runs, and other activities. Most importantly, National Cancer Survivors Day provides an opportunity not only to recognize those who are living with a history of cancer but also to raise awareness of the hardships cancer survivors face beyond treatment.
InterCommunity Cancer Center in Lady Lake, Fla., is honored to care for cancer patients every day and be a part of the journey for many cancer survivors. We believe that cancer care extends beyond our patient’s treatment and that helping you survive the effects of cancer is just as important as helping you live.
InterCommunity Cancer Center’s Patient to Patient Ambassador Program is available for patients who have completed treatment and want to make a difference for new patients. The program provides a community that connects cancer survivors and fosters an environment of wellness through support groups led by patient ambassadors who have survived cancer. Our Ambassadors initiate communication and education of cancer diagnoses and treatment within their circle of influence such as clubs, places of devotion, etc. Armed with our center information, DVD’s, pamphlets and other materials, their story and our message help others through their journey. Ambassadors also provide one-on-one support for pre- and post-cancer patients as they hit milestones throughout their cancer diagnose and treatment.
Milestones go hand in hand with cancer, and are the signposts along the side of the road that show how far you’ve traveled in your cancer journey. Milestones can be the date of cancer diagnosis, the end of therapy, or anniversaries of having no signs or symptoms of cancer. Milestones can also trigger a range of emotions from gratitude and relief to pain and sadness to fear of cancer recurrence, even after years have passed. You may want to celebrate your hard work and the fact that you are a cancer survivor. Or you may need extra support from friends, family, or a health professional.
Thanks to advances in cancer prevention, early detection, treatment, and follow-up care, more people than ever before are surviving the disease. In America alone, more than 14.5 million people are alive today after being diagnosed with cancer. However, surviving cancer can leave a host of problems in its wake. Physical, emotional, and financial hardships often persist for years after diagnosis and treatment. Living beyond cancer refers to post-treatment and long-term survivorship. Two-thirds of cancer survivors say their lives return to what they knew before they had cancer. One in three, however, says that physical, psychosocial, or financial consequences continue. During this stage, most survivors no longer consult with their cancer doctor on a regular basis. InterCommunity Cancer Center encourages cancer survivors to stay connected through support groups for cancer survivors or with programs like our Patient to Patient Ambassadors.
“We have patients that are going through very effective therapies,” said Dr. Maureen Holasek, Radiation Oncologist at InterCommunity Cancer Center. “Radiation Oncology has really improved the care that can be delivered for many, many cancers and so our patients can have confidence that they’re going to have long and productive lives.”
ABOUT INTERCOMMUNITY
CANCER CENTER
InterCommunity Cancer Center (ICCC) has 30 years of experience providing quality, personalized cancer care in the Lady Lake and Leesburg communities and has treated more than 10,000 patients. Radiation Oncologists Drs. Hal Jacobson and Maureen Holasek bring exceptional expertise in treating breast, lung, prostate, gynecologic, skin and other cancers. As part of McKesson Specialty Health, Vantage Oncology and The US Oncology Network, McKesson’s physician-led network of integrated, community-based oncology practices, provide patients and practices a best-in-class platform and a robust suite of customizable offerings and services including comprehensive oncology management services across radiation oncology, surgical specialties and medical oncology while maintaining focus on community-based oncology care and innovative value-based cancer services. ICCC has access to clinical information and best practices from the treatment of more than 1,000 patients per day enabling highly effective and peer-collaborated treatments. This provides ICCC the ability to offer academic-quality treatment in a community based setting and gives local communities exceptional cancer care services close to home. To learn more, visit www.ICCCVantage.com.
INTERCOMMUNITY CANCER CENTER
(352) 674-6300
www.ICCCVantage.com
