When does a cancer patient become a cancer survivor?

Every cancer patient is considered a cancer survivor from the very first moment of their initial diagnosis.Regardless of your age, your diagnosis or your prognosis, there is nothing easy about fighting cancer.

While it is true that cancer is a physical condition, it is, in fact, so much more. Cancer not only attacks the physical well-being of the patient, but it can also attack their emotional and mental well-being, not to mention the stress and strain it can place on relational and financial areas, as well.

Because cancer diagnosis carries with it a history of negative connotations, some patients are often confused when it comes to applying the word “survivor” to themselves.

We refuse to refer to our patients as cancer ‘victims.’ As long as you can fight back against the disease – be it medically, physically or emotionally – there is no reason they should be victimized by cancer. Instead, we consider our patients to be warriors in the battle against cancer. Surrounded by an army of qualified oncology professionals, it is a fight that can often be won. A positive attitude can play an integral role in the fight against cancer.

The key is not giving in to cancer, As long as you are aware of your disease, know your treatment options, trust in your medical team, make peace with your decisions and live your life to the fullest potential, you are not a victim.

Fighting cancer is not for the weak at heart. Every minute you live with cancer is one that earns you the right to call yourself a survivor.