Roughly 14 million U.S. adults make up a community that’s living after a diagnosis of cancer and celebrated this past Sunday’s 27th Annual National Cancer Survivors Day (NCSD). A walk/run in Chicago’s Grant Park was typical of the events that took place all over the country to mark personal milestones and raise awareness about surviving cancer.

“More people are living longer and better quality lives after cancer than ever before,” NCSD spokesperson Laura Shipp states on the foundation’s website. “These survivors are showing us that life after cancer can be meaningful, exciting and filled with joy.”

City of Hope, a salon industry partner, has established the Center for Cancer Survivorship to provide specialized follow-up care and education for survivors of pediatric, prostate and breast cancers. Data is being gathered from this program as well, and the resulting research into long-term effects of cancer and cancer treatment is influencing the ways care is delivered at City of Hope.

“By participating in research, our patients help us to learn more about issues facing cancer survivors, resulting in opportunities to continually improve survivorship care and to share what is learned with the medical community at large,” says Smita Bhatia, M.D., M.P.H., director of the program. “The ultimate goal of this Center is to improve the overall quality of life for the survivors.”

National Cancer Survivors DayBonnie Rarick, a stylist at Ritz Salon in Niceville, FL, is among the hair pros who share personal challenges, triumphs and losses associated with a cancer diagnosis in the Healthy Hairdresser section of the upcoming June 2014 issue of MODERN SALON.

“Be strong,” Rarick advises current cancer patients. “You can live through this, because many of us have done it. Love your coworkers and clients; besides your family, they are your best support.”

Are you living with cancer, or do you have a history of cancer? Email us at rullman@vancepublishing, and we may share your story here at Healthy Hairdresser.

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