Thriving Beyond Cancer

“Cancer” it is a word we once were too afraid to talk about. Now more and more people are opening up about being cancer survivors. Whether it is cancer walks, participating in research to find cures, or attending survivorship events, if you haven’t been touched by cancer, no doubt you know someone who has. And while “cancer” still affects us, it’s no longer the death sentence it once was. More and more people are living and not dying with cancer. What medicine is doing in response to cancer has a lot to do with it.

That is why we turned our spotlight today on what is happening to help those affected by cancer. Health Watch (www.wfskfm.org)  (Thursdays 6:00-7:00pm, Central)  talked about “Thriving beyond Cancer: Cancer Survivorship Care” with Dr. Debra Friedman of the Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center and Dr. Jay Groves of the Vanderbilt Dayani Center. They showed us how cancer survivorship care has changed.

Cancer is no longer an automatic death sentence. Instead, more and more people (13 million and counting in the U.S. alone!) are living and thriving beyond cancer. How are they doing it? They are doing it through an integrated wellness approach that focuses on the whole person, not just the cancer. This wellness approach, which is housed under the Vanderbilt Cancer Wellness Program, includes services and supports that focus on the mind, body and spirit of cancer survivors.

Some of the supports offered include: mindfulness, yoga, massage, nutrition consultations and movement. These are offered by trained practitioners who know how to integrate healing with cancer care. While wellness is no guarantee a person touched by cancer will never be touched again, it is assurance cancer survivors can live a quality of life that moves them from merely surviving to thriving beyond cancer. That’s why Health Watch wants YOU to know more about it. For more information about the Vanderbilt Cancer Wellness Program check out this link:   http://www.vanderbilthealth.com/cancer/33763

Cancer doesn’t have to be the end. With the right help and supports it can be a whole new beginning. Health Watch is committed to supporting cancer survivors and keeping our community in touch with what leads to health and life. That’s why Health Watch is the spot always making health happen!