The Boston Globe reported January 8th that “cancer deaths have fallen to their lowest rated since the numbers peaked in 1991,” based on a study done by the American Cancer Society.

Cancer Survivorship is a growing field offering education and specific programs addressing the long-term physical, mental-emotional, psychosocial, and financial, needs of those living with and living beyond cancer.

The Biennial Cancer Survivorship Symposium: Advancing Care and Research is taking place this weekend in San Francisco, CA. Sponsored by the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO,) the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP,) and American College of Physicians (ACP) information is presented on treatment, research and support for patients with a cancer diagnosis and beyond.

Dana-Farber Institute Adult and Pediatric Survivorship* programs provide clinical care and services for cancer survivors, including research focused on finding solutions to key issues survivors may face after cancer treatment.

Reid R. Sacco Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Cancer Program at Tufts* Medical Center is for patients in this AYA age group who have been diagnosed with cancer or blood disorders. The clinic is also available to patients that are survivors of pediatric cancers and now, as adolescents and young adults, need to transition their follow-up to a facility specifically designed for them. Tufts AYA Cancer Program offers age-appropriate, comprehensive care using a team-based approach for a personalized Survivorship Care Plan.

*You do not need to have been treated at Dana-Farber or Tufts in order to be seen in their Adult, Pediatric, and AYA Survivorship Programs. 

Friends of Mel Foundation holds an annual conference, The Art of Living; Life Beyond Cancer in Quincy MA, offering support and education for survivors and caregivers.