Atrium Health Navicent Peyton Anderson Cancer Center invites the community to celebrate cancer survivors and help raise awareness for their ongoing journey during National Cancer Survivors Month this June. In addition to being a time to honor those living with cancer and those that support and care for them, this month is a time to raise awareness of the ongoing challenges cancer survivors face and celebrate life.
National Cancer Survivors Month also is as a reminder for everyone to stay up-to-date on prescribed cancer screenings, mammograms and other wellness visits. These procedures and screenings are integral in the early detection of cancer. Early detection can save lives.
In celebration of cancer survivors, Atrium Health Navicent is partnering with the Macon Bacon for a special StrikeOut Cancer theme for the baseball team’s 7 p.m. July 6 home game against the Lexington County Blowfish. Cancer survivors are invited to participate in a pre-game survivor walk and an Atrium Health Navicent breast cancer survivor will run the bases during a “Home Run for Life” celebration during the game.
Fans are invited to hold up signs in support of cancer survivors, and the Macon Bacon will auction teammate jerseys with funds raised benefitting mammograms provided by Atrium Health Navicent’s mobile mammogram unit which is set to launch later this year. Keeping in mind the important role of health care workers in the fight against cancer, health care workers are invited to walk the bases after the game.
Anyone living with a history of cancer is a cancer survivor. More than 18.1 million people in the U.S. are cancer survivors and nearly 44 million people worldwide have been diagnosed with cancer within the past five years. In the next 10 years, the number of cancer survivors in the U.S. is projected to increase to 22.5 million. Georgia is home to more than 485,000 cancer survivors, and as their numbers continue to grow, it is becoming even more important to address the unique needs of this population, which can persist even after treatment ends.
Atrium Health Navicent Peyton Anderson Cancer Center offers a full continuum of care ranging from prevention and diagnosis to treatment and survivorship services, including the Survivorship Clinic program. The aim of the program is to deliver high-value, efficient care that enhances quality of life, promotes long-term health and improves coordination of care for adult cancer survivors. Physicians, nurses, dietitians and counselors stand ready do all they can to help program participants prepare for life after treatment.
Ways you can support cancer survivors
Communicate: A quick text, email or phone call will help your loved one or friend to remember that they are important to you. Always end the call with a promise to touch base soon — and then follow through. You may worry that you don’t know what to say to someone with cancer. That’s OK. Remember that the most important thing is that you listen to what they have to say. Let them know you’re willing to talk about whatever they like — or sit in companionable silence if they prefer not to talk.
Visit: Schedule short, regular visits at times that work best for your friend. Perhaps schedule times when they are less likely to receive other visitors, like holidays and weekends. Consider bringing a snack or a meal.
Help: Helping a friend with cancer may mean running a quick errand, offering to tidy up their home or yard, babysit the kids, take the dog for a walk, pick up prescriptions or prepare lunch. Don’t assume that just because others are helping, your friend’s needs are being met. Assume your help is needed and provide support any way you can.
If you or a loved one has concerns about cancer risk factors, available screenings or cancer care, contact Atrium Health Navicent Peyton Anderson Cancer Center at 478-633-3000. To find a doctor, visit www.NavicentHealth.org and click “Find A Doctor.”