By Annie Angle, cancer nurse, Dip. Oncology Nursing, Royal Marsden, London
Reviewed by Dr Michael Jefford MBBS, MPH, MHlthsevMt, PhD, MRACMA, FRACP
Consultant Medical Oncologist, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre
By now you may have heard the term ‘cancer survivor'. This means different things to different people. Some people use it to mean anyone with cancer: for example, someone newly diagnosed or someone having their treatment. Others use it to refer to people who are alive many years after their cancer treatment. In this booklet we use the term ‘cancer survivor' to mean anyone who has finished their ‘active' cancer treatment. Your doctor has told you that your treatment has been successful. You are free from any signs of cancer. Doctors call this being in ‘remission'.
You may think that the term ‘cancer survivor' sounds strange. But for many people it is a strong and positive way of explaining their situation. Using it helps them to cope with accepting their life after their illness. However you feel about this term, we hope that you will continue to read this booklet. Our aim is to give you as much support and information as we can about coping with life after your cancer treatment.
‘I think being a cancer survivor is almost a badge of honour.'
(Mark)
