Cancer Survivors Day

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According to The National Cancer Survivors Day Foundation, a cancer survivor as anyone living with a history of cancer, from the moment of diagnosis through the remainder of life. National Cancer Survivors Day affords a community the opportunity to demonstrate that it has an active, productive cancer survivor population.

The Cancer Survivors Day was first announced by Merril Hastings at the second national conference meeting of the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship in Albuquerque, New Mexico on November 20, 1987. Later, Hastings filed the name as an International Class 042 Service, as well as registering with the United States Patent and Trademark Office in the name of Pulse Publications.

The first National Cancer Survivors Day was held on June 5, 1988. Twenty other National Cancer Survivors Days have taken place since. The National Cancer Survivors Day is a secular holiday celebrated on the first Sunday in June. On National Cancer Survivors Day, communities honor cancer survivors for their strength and courage and recognize the contributions of families, friends, and health care providers. Community celebrations can include races, games, parades, dances, carnivals, art exhibits, ceremonies, picnics, and many more fun and creative events.

National Cancer Survivors Day is an annual, worldwide Celebration of Life in more than 700 communities throughout the United States, Canada, and around the world. Other participating countries include American Samoa, Antigua, Australia, Cayman Islands, Guam, India, Italy, Malaysia, the Netherlands, and Trinidad and Tobago. Participants unite in a symbolic event to show the world that a high-quality life after a cancer diagnosis can be a reality.

Alternate Name - National Cancer Survivors Day

Holiday Status - Secular Holiday