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.