(Trenton)  On National Cancer Survivors Day, the Department of Health and Senior Services is celebrating the more than 12 million Americans, including an estimated 335,000 New Jersey residents, who have battled, overcome and survived cancer.

“Great strides have been made against many forms of cancer, and on National Cancer Survivors Day we celebrate the survivors, medical professionals, families and friends who have all worked to save the lives and support those with cancer,” said Commissioner Mary O’Dowd.

In recognition of the impact that cancer has had on so many New Jersey residents, the Department recently hosted a cancer awareness event at the State House that declared May 24^th 2011 as New Jersey Breast Cancer Survivor’s Day. Additionally, on May 26, the Department’s Office of Cancer Control participated in the Commission on Cancer Research and Cancer Institute of New Jersey’s Public Forum 2011: Advancing Cancer Survivorship in New Jersey at the Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.

“Lingering health, financial and emotional hardships can often persist after diagnosis and treatment.” noted O’Dowd. “But life after cancer can be even more meaningful and productive.”

The Department’s Office of Cancer Control and Prevention is a great resource for cancer support services that can help cancer survivors find help through all phases of recovery.  By highlighting National Cancer Survivors Day, we will reach more people who will benefit from these programs.

For 24 years, National Cancer Survivors Day has celebrated the joy and hope, camaraderie and faith, and triumph over adversity shown by cancer survivors across America and the world.   The National Cancer Survivors Day Foundation defines a "survivor" as anyone living with a history of cancer – from the moment of diagnosis through the remainder of life.

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

For more cancer resources please visit:

NJDHSS Office of Cancer Control and Prevention:  http://www.state.nj.us/health/cancer/index.shtml
National Cancer Institute: www.cancer.gov
American Cancer Society’s Cancer Facts & Figures: http://www.cancer.org/Research/CancerFactsFigures/index
American Cancer Society: www.cancer.org

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