As a result of earlier detection and better treatments, more and more cancer patients count themselves in a growing cohort of survivors. A study published by Statistics Canada on March 18, 2009, showed that there are 695,000 cancer survivors in the country. Unfortunately, many survivors are left with a new set of challenges after treatment.

Mary Hayden, an accomplished professional woman in her early 50s, was diagnosed with breast cancer in the summer of 2007, and finished her treatment in April 2008. “I have always been a very strong, positive, and independent person. I never anticipated the need to seek professional help for emotional matters. Having cancer changed that thinking.”

Hayden recalls that she didn’t know what was coming her way. “It was a dark time and, sometimes, each moment was difficult. I felt emotionally vulnerable and it scared me.”

“Emotional vulnerability can be one of the after-effects of cancer survivorship. Your treatment ends, but the impact of cancer on you, emotionally, psychologically, socially, may not,” says Gina MacKenzie, Professional Practice Leader, Patient and Family Counselling, BC Cancer Agency, an agency of the Provincial Health Services Authority.

Survivorship: Transitions and Transformations is the theme of this year’s Canadian Association of Psychosocial Oncology (CAPO) Public Forum, which is sponsored by the BC Cancer Agency and will take place in Vancouver on April 1, 2009. CAPO is a Canadian organization that promotes the psychological and social well-being of cancer patients.

Dr. Julia Rowland, Director, Office of Cancer Survivorship, National Cancer Institute, USA, emphasizes the growing population and changing face of cancer survivors: “Cancer used to be a uniformly fatal disease. Today, close to 70 per cent of Americans with cancer are expected to live long-term with the disease. For many it has become a chronic disease. We urgently need to change the culture of care around cancer, to ensure that survivorship issues get included firmly on the spectrum of cancer control.”

After counselling at BC Cancer Agency ended, Hayden, a mother of two, felt more able to face her challenges. “I gave my counsellor a small, plush butterfly when I finished my session, as a symbolic reminder of how, through her, I was able to open up to the rest of my life in a new and happier way,” says Hayden. “Surviving wasn’t enough for me. I wanted to thrive. I wanted to be happy, and I wanted to live and see my children continue to thrive and be happy, too!”

April is Cancer Awareness Month. “We are very pleased to be offering this forum on the first day of April to address survivorship issues and challenges. It is an excellent opportunity for the public to learn more about the history of cancer survivorship, the lessons learned and what research tells us,” adds MacKenzie.

The free public forum will be held on April 1, 6:30 p.m., at Marriot Vancouver Pinnacle, 1128 West Hastings Street. Dr. Julia Rowland will present and be available to answer questions from the audience. No registration is required. For more information please contact Patient and Family Counselling, BC Cancer Agency at 604.877.6000, local 2194.

The BC Cancer Agency, an agency of the Provincial Health Services Authority, is committed to reducing the incidence of cancer, reducing the mortality from cancer, and improving the quality of life of those living with cancer. It provides a comprehensive cancer control program for the people of British Columbia by working with community partners to deliver a range of oncology services, including prevention, early detection, diagnosis and treatment, research, education, supportive care, rehabilitation and palliative care. The BC Cancer Foundation raises funds to support research and enhancements to patient care at the BC Cancer Agency.

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Media Contact:

Helen Fan
Communications
BC Cancer Agency

hfan@bccancer.bc.ca
Tel: 604.877.6000 ext. 4813
Toll-free: 1.800.663.3333, ext. 4813