ToYour Health

Support for the Growing Number of Cancer Survivors

– By Kathy Duffy –

When I think of what it means for a person to be a “cancer survivor” two phrases come to mind: strength of spirit and determination of mind. Each year on the first Sunday of June, we celebrate that spirit as well as the wondrous gift of life at National Cancer Survivors Day. 

White Plains Hospital Center’s Survivors Day celebration was held June 3, with more than 500 cancer survivors, their families and friends in attendance. An event that started with just 60 people 12 years ago, has grown in number and meaning.

With advances in our understanding of cancer, our ability to detect and treat it has led to greater survival rates. This was recently highlighted in the media when the American Cancer Society released recent data showing a decrease in the number of cancer-related deaths. With the advent of sophisticated surgical procedures and newer cancer-targeted therapies, patients are living longer and many times, cancer free. Additionally, our growing understanding of the genetics of some cancers has equipped us with tools to evaluate and test for risk so that we can educate patients about ways they can perhaps reduce risk.  

We have also learned that sometimes cancer survival comes with a price and that, for many, life is never quite the same. While family and friends are celebrating the completion of their loved one’s treatment, survivors and their closest companions may be left with a number of unexpected emotional, physical, and practical issues.  

Transition from cancer patient to cancer survivor brings with it many questions. What if my cancer comes back? How do I care for my health in the future?  The Cancer Program at White Plains Hospital Center is instrumental in providing the community with the resources to help patients live their best life. State-of-the-art technology for early detection and treatment, coupled with compassionate care are key ingredients to our program. 

The American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer awarded White Plains Hospital Center its 2006 Outstanding Achievement Award.  This achievement is shared with only 30 other hospitals nationwide. Cancer care does not end when treatment is finished. Additional support services, as well as the Complementary Care Program, which includes yoga, mental imagery, art therapy and more, provide ongoing survivor support.

First-rate cancer care does not end when a diagnosis is made and treatment is completed. We provide the tools to rebuild active and productive lives with confidence in the future.

The author is Administrative Director of the Cancer Program, White Plains Hospital Center, and a Rye resident.

Upcoming Greenwich Hospital Programs

The Nurse Is In

People with health questions and those who would like to have their blood pressure checked will find “The Nurse Is In” at the Rye YMCA from 9 a.m. to noon June 11, 18 and 25. For more information, call 203-863-3792.

Diabetes Support Group

Join Frederick Nahm, MD, PhD for a discussion about diabetes and stroke risk reduction Monday, June 11, from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Noble Conference Center at Greenwich Hospital. For more information, call 203-863-3929.

AARP Safe Driving Course

This two-part course will teach participants the current rules of the road and ways to adjust to common age-related changes in vision, hearing, and reaction time. Part I will be held from 2 to 6 p.m. in the Cos Cob Room at Greenwich Hospital Tuesday, June 12. Part II will be held at the same time and place Thursday, June 14. Fee is $10. For more information or to register, call 203-863-4277.

Heart Health Education Group

On June 12, from 6:30 to 8 p.m., join cardiologist Joseph Tartaglia, MD to learn more about atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries, and how to prevent it. The Heart Education Group meets the second Tuesday of designated months in the Noble Conference Center at Greenwich Hospital. Refreshments will be served. For more information or to register, call 203- 863-4277 or register online at www.greenhosp.org.

Baby Talk

Planning a family? Plan on attending the “Baby Talk Pregnancy Fair” at White Plains Hospital Center Sunday, June 10, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. The daylong event includes workshops, educational exhibits, a tour of the maternity center, plus vendor displays, food, prizes and more.

Doctors and nurses will conduct workshops on issues covering the entire spectrum of childbirth issues, from conception through parenthood. Topics include pain management in labor, delivery to home, baby's first four weeks, breastfeeding basics and car seat safety. Local businesses and organizations with resources for new parents will have tables and informational displays in the hospital's main lobby.

Couples can tour the hospital's state-of-the-art William & Sylvia Silberstein Neonatal & Maternity Center. Sure to be of interest to all the moms-to-be is a special presentation, “Inside Labor and Delivery,” in which an obstetrician, nurse midwife, neonatologist, anesthesiologist and a labor and delivery nurse will discuss what to expect during labor.

The registration fee for Baby Talk is $10 per person/$20 per couple and includes lunch. For more information or to register, call 681-1119.