Cancer Survivors Honored During National Cancer Survivor’s Month

This month, Georgia joined states across the nation in honoring and recognizing cancer survivors. Nationwide, the entire month of June is recognized as National Cancer Survivors Month, a time set aside for educational and awareness efforts as well as celebrations of the success stories in the battle against all forms of cancer. 

According to the National Cancer Institute, ​​There are an estimated 18.1 million cancer survivors in the United States, representing approximately 5.4% of the entire population. The number of cancer survivors is projected to grow to 26.0 million by 2040.

WNEG News sat down with Angie Caton, Assistant Nurse Manager with Northeast Georgia Medical Center Cancer Services to talk about the month-long recognition.

She said that ‘hope’ is a big part of the message the June event promotes.

She talked about some of the advances, especially in screenings and some vaccines.

In addition, she talked about the call to action that goes hand-in-hand with the recognition of survivors – urging survivors to take care of themselves and urging others to lend a hand.

She said June is also a time to recognize and support caregivers.

Caton also offered some thoughts on how to talk to friends and loved ones that are facing a battle with cancer.

Last year, Caton was named “Today’s Innovator”  by the Georgia Center for Oncology Research and Education for her contribution to the advancement of cancer care for patients in Georgia.  

For more information, and further comments from Caton, visit her article on the Northeast Georgia Health System’s website.