June is National Cancer Survivor Month, a time dedicated to celebrating and recognizing those who have survived cancer. This month serves as an inspiration for those recently diagnosed, a gathering of support for families, and an outreach to the community.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the leading national public health institute of the United States, people are living longer after a cancer diagnosis. The CDC reports that there are currently nearly 17 million Americans living with cancer and that about two out of every three people with cancer live at least five years after diagnosis.
Cancer survivors are living longer due to advances in early detection, treatment, and improvements in medical and other health care services. Although cancer remains the second-leading cause of death in the U.S., it is increasingly becoming a chronic illness that can be managed and lived with.
Thanks to significant advances in cancer care, even when a cure is not possible, many cancers can be controlled and managed for long periods. Many physicians consider patients being treated for certain types of cancer as living with a chronic condition. These patients require ongoing therapy or medication to control their condition, similar to people with diabetes or high blood pressure.
Some cancer types, such as ovarian cancer, leukemia, and certain lymphomas, can be closely monitored and treated, but may never completely go away and are considered chronic illnesses. Cancers that have spread or recurred in other parts of the body, like metastatic breast or prostate cancer, also often become chronic conditions.
For people living with cancer, the disease may be controlled with treatment, meaning it might seem to go away or remain stable. The cancer may not grow or spread as long as treatment continues. Sometimes, when treatment shrinks the cancer, patients can take a break until the cancer starts to grow again. However, in these cases, the cancer is still present, it doesn’t go away permanently, and it’s not cured.
Being diagnosed with cancer or facing a recurrence can be daunting. San Francisco CyberKnife understands and is here to help. With state-of-the-art cancer treatment technology and a dedicated team of physicians and multilingual staff experienced in treating patients with stereotactic radiation therapy, San Francisco CyberKnife delivers quality care in a compassionate manner.
If you or a loved one have recently been diagnosed with cancer, please contact San Francisco CyberKnife today.