Hundreds of Cancer Survivors honored on National Cancer Survivors Day

National Cancer Survivors Day saw on Sunday honors being given to hundreds of cancer survivors in Rochester. The André Gauthier Foundation made it possible to organize the event hosted by Mayo Clinic Cancer Center and the American Cancer Society.

Gauthier said it’s been a dozen years for him to be part of the event and he is alive today because of Mayo. Dr. Katheryn Ruddy, director of cancer survivorship for Mayo's program of oncology, said many people get affected by cancer at some point of their lives. However, advancement in medical science is likely to increase survival rates.

Ruddy said their new proton beam facility is all set to open this month. “And we'll be able to administer a new type of radiation using proton beam therapy. We think this will help reduce the long term effects of treatment in terms of the symptoms and side effects that many patients experience over the survivorship period”, he added.

Dr. David Leopold, who has studied cancer survivorship for many years, said cancer survivors have to deal with new challenges after they beat the disease. Most of them live with the fear of recurrence, which is highly likely to affect their ability to make a decision. Leopold added that there are also problems with interpersonal relationships.

The Sunday program saw about 200 survivors, friends and family members. The program also included talks from doctors, a bluesy musical performance, and a chance to connect with attendees afterward.