By Denise Barajas, MD, FACS, Medical Director, Center for Cancer Care and Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness at Griffin Hospital
National Cancer Survivors Day is Sunday, June 7. It takes more than just one day to adequately honor and support these courageous individuals, but this is a special opportunity to pause and recognize the strength of those who have faced cancer and continue to move forward.
The 1st National Cancer Survivors Day was held in 1988. Since that time, there has been a shift to move beyond treating tumors and focus on long-term survivorship and improving survivors’ quality of life. At Griffin Health, we define a cancer survivor as anyone from the moment of diagnosis through the rest of life. Survivorship is not just about completing treatment. It’s about navigating the physical, emotional, and personal journey that follows, and finding a new sense of normal.
Today, we celebrate:
- The patients who face difficult diagnoses with resilience
- The survivors who continue to thrive years after treatment
- The families and caregivers who stand beside them
- The healthcare teams who are honored to be part of that journey
Survivorship looks different for everyone. For some, it means returning to daily routines. For others, it means managing long-term effects or redefining priorities. At Griffin’s Center for Cancer Care, we are committed to supporting patients beyond treatment. This includes ongoing follow-up care, wellness support, and resources that help survivors live full and meaningful lives.
To every survivor we say: Your journey inspires us. Your strength reminds us why we do this work every day.