June 16 2025
By Tambre Leighn, Patient Advocate
Cancer Survivorship Month is a time to honor the strength and resilience it takes to navigate the challenges of cancer. While we celebrate the resilience of those who have faced a diagnosis, it’s essential to recognize that survivorship extends far beyond the completion of treatment. It includes the ongoing process of living with the long-term effects of cancer treatment—be it physical, emotional, or psychological. Survivorship is not a singular event, but rather something that evolves over time. As survivors navigate the treatment pathway, they face new challenges that impact their health, relationships, and overall wellbeing. From dealing with the uncertainties of ongoing surveillance to managing the stress that comes with “scanxiety,” each step presents its own unique hurdles.
It's not just those diagnosed with cancer who are included in the definition of cancer survivor. The National Cancer Institute describes it as “…a state of being, including the perspectives, needs, health, and the physical, psychological, social, and economic challenges experienced by people and caregivers after a cancer diagnosis.” It is a powerful observation that cancer doesn’t only affect the person diagnosed—it impacts everyone around them. Family members and caregivers are integral parts of the cancer experience, offering vital support to patients through treatment, recovery, and beyond. While many caregivers may not see themselves as survivors, the reality is that their lives are forever changed by their role.
Caregivers and family members play an indispensable role in the cancer journey, providing vital emotional, physical, and logistical support through treatment, recovery, and the long road ahead. While many caregivers may not identify themselves as survivors, the reality is that their lives are profoundly impacted. From managing appointments and medications to providing emotional support, caregivers take on many roles. Their strength, too, deserves recognition.
For those involved in cancer research, especially in clinical trial design, this broader definition of survivorship provides critical insights. By acknowledging that caregivers and families are part of the survivor population, researchers can create more comprehensive care models. Trials that take into account the needs of both patients and their support systems will likely lead to more effective and inclusive outcomes. Whether addressing the psychological burden that caregivers often experience or offering resources to help families manage practical challenges, the inclusion of caregivers within the survivorship framework ensures that no one is left behind.
This evolution in how we define survivorship also has far-reaching implications for patient advocacy. As advocates, we play a key role in ensuring that the voices of both patients and caregivers are included in research, clinical trials, and support services. By advocating for the recognition of caregiving as an essential part of the cancer experience, we can ensure that better support the needs of all those whose lives are impacted. From improving access to resources for care partners to ensuring clinical trials are designed to meet the unique challenges faced by both patients and caregivers, we, as advocates, can be a voice for all.
This Cancer Survivorship Month, I encourage us all to adopt a broader understanding of what it means to survive cancer. Whether someone is a patient who has completed treatment, a caregiver who has walked alongside someone through their journey, or a loved one offering unwavering support, they are all an integral part of the survival story. Their resilience, strength, and perseverance deserve to be celebrated and honored. Let’s take this time to recognize that survivorship is a shared experience, one that encompasses the patient, their caregivers, and the community that surrounds them.