National Cancer Survivors Month: Life After Cancer, Long-Term Health and Survivorship Care
June is National Cancer Survivors Month, a time to celebrate the millions of people who have faced cancer and to bring attention to what life looks like after treatment.
A Growing Community of Cancer Survivors
As of 2025, about 18.6 million Americans are living with a history of cancer, and that number is expected to pass 22 million by 2035. The overall 5-year survival rate has reached 70%, showing major progress in cancer care.
Survival rates have improved dramatically for difficult cancers, including melanoma and myeloma. Each number represents a person beginning a new chapter after treatment.
Your Body After Treatment
Cancer treatments can cause both long-term and late effects that may appear months or years later.
Common Long-Term Effects
- Fatigue
- Neuropathy (tingling or numbness)
- "Chemo brain" (memory and focus issues)
- Sexual health changes
- Lymphedema
- Sleep problems
Late Effects to Watch For
- Heart problems
- Bone thinning (osteoporosis)
- Hormone changes
- Risk of a new cancer
If something doesn’t feel right, talk to your doctor. These effects are common and treatable.
The Power of Healthy Habits
- Exercise: Aim for 150–300 minutes of moderate activity weekly.
- Nutrition: Focus on whole foods like fruits, vegetables, and grains.
- Healthy Weight: Small changes can make a big difference.
- Avoid Alcohol: Eliminating alcohol lowers cancer risk.
