Skip directly to search Skip directly to A to Z list Skip directly to navigation Skip directly to page options Skip directly to site content
Cancer Home

Supporting Cancer Survivors and Caregivers

Photo of a young cancer survivor wearing a scarf around her head.

Improving Life After Cancer Diagnosis
Putting the National Comprehensive Cancer Control Program Priorities into Action

View printable document [PDF-817KB]

Nearly 15 million cancer survivors live in the United States today.

A cancer survivor is a person diagnosed with cancer, from the time of diagnosis throughout their lifespan.

Cancer survivors and their caregivers face physical, emotional, psychosocial, spiritual, and financial challenges as a result of diagnosis and treatment.

Comprehensive cancer control programs address the needs of cancer survivors and their caregivers using—

  • Surveillance to routinely assess the needs of cancer survivors.
  • Education programs to help survivors, caregivers, and providers make informed decisions.
  • Patient navigation systems to optimize treatment and care.
  • Policies and systems changes to improve access to palliative care and other cancer resources or services.

Examples of Successful NCCCP Activities Focusing on Survivorship

Map of the United States with Alaska, Minnesota, and Wyoming highlighted.

  • Alaska—Assessing Tobacco Cessation Needs
    Alaska Tobacco Quit Line collected information about cancer survivors’ ongoing tobacco cessation needs to educate health care providers.
  • Fond du Lac, Minnesota—Circle of Life Education Program
    Survivors and caregivers participate in culturally tailored educational sessions, as well as an annual “Cancer Survivors Celebration.”
  • Wyoming—Camp Courage Wyoming
    First statewide survivorship support network for children with cancer and their families.

Cancer Prevention and Control Works

Communities can prevent and control cancer when they have the right partners, plans, and solutions. CDC’s NCCCP is leading cancer prevention and control efforts that are saving lives and supporting survivors. Visit NCCCP Success Stories for more examples of comprehensive cancer control in action.

Stay Informed

Format:
TOP