Resources
for Cancer Survivors
From the
time of discovery and for the balance of life, an individual diagnosed
with cancer is a survivor.
~ National
Coalition for Cancer Survivorship
NEA Survivors’
Network
From the beginning,
breast and cervical cancer survivors have been involved in the development
of programs and materials of the NEA HIN’s Campaign for Breast and
Cervical Health. Survivor participation is often rated as the most
important component of Campaign activities. With this in mind, in
April 1996, the Survivors’ Network was established to identify breast
and cervical cancer survivors willing to speak or consult with other
local members about their experiences as a survivor. Interested
survivors are placed in a state-by-state database for referral to
other NEA members and Association staff who request the names of
local survivors for speaking, consulting, and support opportunities.
In 1998 this database was expanded to include survivors of other
types of cancer to fill the growing need for peer educators about
cancers that affect men and women. Join our database of survivors
willing to talk to other NEA members and associations about their
experiences, by emailing your name, mailing address, type of cancer
and year diagnosed, and a personal message you would like to share
with others to the NEA Survivors’
Network.
Other
Ideas for Involving Survivors in Local Early Detection Efforts
- Organize
a speakers bureau, support group, or education coalition for breast
and cervical cancer in your school or community. - Organize
a cancer survivors’ caucus in your education association. - Establish
a mentoring program to pair new survivors with other survivors.
- Create a
video or picture book of local survivors. Arrange to exhibit your
creation at local meetings and conferences.
Getting Involved
in Cancer Research
Research studies
conducted with patients are called clinical trials. As a cancer
patient, you may take part in a clinical trial. The time when cancer
is diagnosed or when treatment decisions are being made is very
difficult and it is often hard to understand or remember complex
medical explanations. Making decisions about the benefits and risks
of participating in cancer research can be difficult at a time like
this. The National Cancer Institute offers an easy to read guide
to to help you understand clinical trials and your options for participating.
Learn more about
clinical trials and current cancer research.