America’s 12 million cancer survivors will join survivors around the world in observing the 24th annual National Cancer Survivors Day® on Sunday, June 5, 2011. Hundreds of communities worldwide will host events on this day to celebrate life and demonstrate that life after a cancer diagnosis can be meaningful and productive.

National Cancer Survivors Day is a treasured annual celebration of life. Joy and hope, camaraderie and faith, and triumph over adversity will be on full display. It is a day for everyone, whether you’re a cancer survivor, a family member, a friend, or a medical professional. This day provides an opportunity for cancer survivors to connect with other survivors, and recognize the healthcare providers, families, and friends who have supported them along the way. NCSD activities will be as diversified as the towns and cities where the events are held and will include parades, carnivals, races, art exhibits, ball games, contests, dances, inspirational programs and more.

The National Cancer Survivors Day Foundation, the non-profit administrator for the celebration, is encouraging everyone to participate in their community’s event. To locate the one nearest you, check with your local hospital or American Cancer Society office, or call the Foundation at (615) 794-3006 or e-mail info@ncsd.org. If you are interested in hosting an event in your area, you can go to ncsd.org and download a free planning guide.

Having started in the United States, NCSD is now observed in countries as far away as Australia, Greece, Italy, Malaysia, and Saudi Arabia. The National Cancer Survivors Day Foundation supports hundreds of hospitals, support groups, and other cancer-related organizations that host National Cancer Survivors Day events in their communities, by providing free guidance, education and networking. Its primary mission is to educate the public on the issues of cancer survivorship in order to better the quality of life for cancer survivors. The Foundation defines a “survivor” as anyone living with a history of cancer – from the moment of diagnosis through the remainder of life.

“Cancer survivors may face many challenges such as hindered access to cancer specialists and promising new treatments, inadequate or no insurance, financial hardships, employment problems and psychological struggles. Despite these difficulties, cancer survivors can live active, productive lives,” says Foundation spokesperson Paula Chadwell.

The National Cancer Survivors Day Foundation, along with NCSD 2011 national sponsors Bristol-Myers Squibb, Coping® With Cancer magazine, and Lilly Oncology, is encouraging a greater commitment to resolving the issues of cancer survivorship. “More resources, research and survivor-friendly legislation is needed to improve the quality of life of cancer survivors,” says Chadwell. “The accomplishments of modern science are evident in the ever growing cancer survivor population. Addressing the poorly understood needs of these survivors is becoming a formidable challenge.”

To find out more about National Cancer Survivors Day, visit www.ncsd.org.

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