In recognition of National Cancer Survivors Day on Sunday, the Department of Health and Senior Services honors the lives of the more than 359,800 New Jersey residents who have survived cancer and acknowledges the challenges they face.
"Cancer survival is increasing due to early detection, medical advancement and prevention," said Health and Senior Services Commissioner O'Dowd. "However many cancer survivors face physical, physiological and financial challenges long after their treatment ends. Despite these issues, many survivors go on to lead long and healthy lives."
NCSD is an annual worldwide celebration of life. The day provides an opportunity for all people living with a history of cancer to connect with each other, celebrate milestones, and recognize the healthcare providers, family, and friends who have supported them along the way. More than 12 million Americans are cancer survivors.
In recognition of New Jersey's 5th Annual Statewide Breast Cancer Survivors Day, the
New Jersey Cancer Education and Early Detection (NJCEED) program hosted a "Paint the State Pink" luncheon in Ewing this week. The event included presentations from medical professionals on breast and other cancers, as well as a motivational speaker who provided encouragement for those in the audience who may be struggling with cancer treatments.
The NJCEED Program provides funding for cancer screening for low-income uninsured in all 21 counties in New Jersey through 22 screening programs called NJCEED Lead Agencies. In 2011, a total of 20,828 residents were screened for breast, cervical, prostate, and/or colorectal cancers. Through those screenings: 124 invasive breast cancers, 5 colorectal cancers, 18 prostate cancers and eight invasive cervical cancers have been diagnosed. Since 1996, 1,474 cases of breast cancer have been diagnosed. NJCEED also provides educational information regarding cancer and referral information to cancer resources to participants. For more on NJCEED, please visit: http://www.state.nj.us/health/cancer/njceed/
Many hospitals and NJCEED sites are hosting NCSD celebrations this weekend. To contact the NJCEED agency nearest you, please visit: http://web.doh.state.nj.us/apps2/cancerfacilities/njceed.aspx. The American Cancer Society will also have NCSD celebration information. Their website is http://www.cancer.org/
National Cancer Survivors Day began in 1987 and is now also celebrated worldwide.
For more information on surviving cancer, please visit: http://www.cdc.gov/Features/CancerSurvivorship/ or http://www.cinj.org/survivorship/ourprogram.html
For more on cancer in New Jersey please visit the DHSS website: http://www.state.nj.us/health/cancer/index.shtml
