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.
NEA Cancer
Survivor’s Caucus
NEA
HIN is excited to tell you that we are currently taking steps to
start an NEA Cancer Survivor’s Caucus! Although it is in its early
stages, we hope to have a kick-off party at this year’s Representative
Assembly in Los Angeles, CA. The kickoff party has the potential
to be a great success in raising awareness and funding for the Caucus.
We plan to have speakers, dinner, and possibly a silent auction.
But, right now, we need your help. If you have ideas for the caucus,
have something you would like to donate, or know of an organization
that may be interested in providing gifts or services, let us know!
Post your ideas and messages on our new NEA Cancer Survivor’s
Caucus Bulletin Board!
NEA
Cancer Survivor’s Photo Exhibit, July 2-4, 2001
For the fourth year in a row, NEA HIN will be displaying photos
of NEA member cancer survivors at the annual NEA Representative
Assembly (RA)in Los Angeles, CA.. The Photo Exhibit has been a success
in the past due to your participation. If you are attending the
RA, stop by NEA HIN’s exhibit booth to contribute a picture to the
Exhibit or have your picture taken with our onsite Polaroid camera.
If you are unable to attend this event, we still want you to be
involved. To include your photo in the exhibit, send a color photo
with the following information on the back:
- Full Name
- Mailing
Address - Phone
- Occupation
- Year of Diagnosis
- Type of Cancer
Please be careful
in your picture selection, pictures can not be returned and become
property of NEA HIN. Mail your photo to: NEA HIN, Cancer Survivor’s
Exhibit, 1201 16th Street NW, Suite 521, Washington DC 20036.
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.