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Giving as Medicine for the Soul

According to Dr. Froswa Booker-Drew, giving is about more than just money—it’s about offering your time, your talent, or whatever is meaningful to you.

Akarawut Lohacharoenvanich
A woman in a sleeveless green dress stands at a clear podium, speaking into a handheld microphone. She has long, dark hair and wears a pink ribbon pin, symbolizing breast cancer awareness. A projection screen behind her shows a live feed of her speech.

Breast cancer survivor Karla Mingo shares her journey to inspire women and emphasize the life-saving importance of early detection.

A smiling young woman with braided hair, wearing a light-colored blazer and watch, holding a grey coffee mug with both hands. She is sitting in a modern, well-lit office space with green plants in the background.
Black women deserve to practice self-care, even while navigating the demands of the workplace.
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Cancer Survivor Awareness Month: Honoring Survivors, Highlighting Challenges, and Spreading Hope

Every June, Cancer Survivor Awareness Month—often referred to as National Cancer Survivors Month—recognizes and celebrates the millions of individuals in the United States and around the world who have survived cancer. More than just a celebration of survivorship, this observance is also a time to raise awareness of the physical, emotional, and financial challenges cancer survivors face long after treatment ends.

As cancer survival rates improve due to advances in early detection, treatment, and supportive care, it's more important than ever to understand what survivorship truly means—and why this awareness month matters.


Who Is a Cancer Survivor?

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) defines a cancer survivor as anyone who has been diagnosed with cancer, from the time of diagnosis through the rest of their life—regardless of whether the cancer is in remission, chronic, or cured (NCI, 2023). This broad definition includes people actively undergoing treatment as well as those who have completed it, along with their caregivers, family members, and close supporters.

As of 2024, there are over 18 million cancer survivors in the United States, a number projected to grow to 22.5 million by 2032 (American Cancer Society, 2024).

Why Cancer Survivor Awareness Month Is Important

1. Celebrating Survivorship

The primary goal of this month is to honor and uplift those who have endured the challenges of cancer. Survivors’ stories are powerful testimonies of strength, perseverance, and hope, and they offer encouragement to individuals currently undergoing treatment.

Many organizations, such as the American Cancer Society and National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship, host events, survivor gatherings, webinars, and campaigns to highlight these experiences and offer platforms for connection and reflection.

2. Addressing Long-Term Challenges

While surviving cancer is an enormous achievement, the journey doesn’t end with the last treatment session. Survivors often face ongoing and significant challenges, including:

  • Physical side effects, such as fatigue, lymphedema, neuropathy, and infertility
  • Psychosocial impacts, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, and fear of recurrence
  • Financial toxicity, resulting from high out-of-pocket treatment costs, lost income, and lack of insurance coverage
  • Employment and social reintegration difficulties, especially for young and working-age survivors

According to a 2022 report by the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), more than 60% of survivors experience at least one long-term physical or emotional effect from their treatment (ASCO, 2022).

3. Promoting Equitable Access to Survivorship Care

Cancer disparities continue to affect underserved communities. Survivors from minority, low-income, and rural backgrounds are more likely to experience barriers to follow-up care and worse outcomes. Survivor awareness efforts help promote equity by calling for expanded access to survivorship care plans, mental health services, and culturally competent care (CDC, 2023).

4. Supporting Research and Advocacy

National Cancer Survivors Month provides a platform for advocacy—calling attention to the need for:

  • Continued federal funding for cancer research
  • Development of survivorship care guidelines
  • Legislation to support insurance protections, medical leave, and employment rights for survivors

The voices of survivors are powerful tools in shaping policies and funding priorities.

How to Support Cancer Survivors

  • Listen to survivor stories and share them to amplify awareness.
  • Encourage regular cancer screenings and educate others about early detection.
  • Donate to cancer research or survivor support groups.
  • Advocate for survivorship care plans and equitable access to healthcare.
  • Support mental health resources for those affected by cancer.

Cancer Survivor Awareness Month is more than a tribute—it's a movement. It acknowledges the complex, ongoing journey that survivors face and reminds us that surviving cancer is not the end of the story, but the beginning of a new chapter. By raising awareness, fostering community, and supporting continued research and care, we honor those who have fought cancer and champion a future where no survivor walks alone.

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Shining a Light on Oral Cancer: April Marks Awareness Month with a Focus on Prevention and Early Detection
Photo by Caroline LM on Unsplash

Shining a Light on Oral Cancer: April Marks Awareness Month with a Focus on Prevention and Early Detection

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Understanding Oral Cancer

Oral cancer refers to cancers that develop in the mouth, lips, tongue, throat, and surrounding tissues. It is often associated with lifestyle factors such as tobacco use, excessive alcohol consumption, and human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 54,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with oral or oropharyngeal cancer annually, and nearly 11,000 die from the disease (American Cancer Society, 2023).

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The Impact of Traumatic Brain Injury

TBI is a disruption in normal brain function caused by a sudden jolt or blow to the head. The severity of TBI can range from mild concussions to severe injuries resulting in cognitive and physical impairments. According to the CDC, approximately 1.5 million Americans sustain a TBI annually, and nearly 230,000 are hospitalized due to these injuries (CDC, 2023). Common causes include falls, motor vehicle accidents, sports-related injuries, and combat-related trauma among military personnel.

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Photo by Shelly Shell on Unsplash

Black Maternal Health Week: Addressing Racial Disparities in Maternal Care

Black Maternal Health Week (BMHW), observed annually from April 11-17, is a national campaign founded by the Black Mamas Matter Alliance in 2018. It raises awareness about the disproportionate maternal health challenges faced by Black women in the United States and advocates for systemic change in maternal healthcare (Black Mamas Matter Alliance, 2018). Addressing Black maternal health is crucial for achieving health equity, improving overall public health outcomes, and ensuring that all women have access to safe, respectful, and high-quality maternal care. It requires a multifaceted approach involving policy changes, healthcare system reforms, and efforts to combat racism and discrimination in medical settings.

The Urgency of Black Maternal Health

The United States has one of the highest maternal mortality rates among developed nations, and Black women are disproportionately affected. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Black women are nearly three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than white women (CDC, 2022). Structural racism, implicit bias in healthcare, and limited access to quality medical services contribute to these disparities.

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World Autism Day- Light it Up Blue

Every year on April 2nd, World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) is observed to raise awareness and foster acceptance for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Established by the United Nations in 2007, this day highlights the importance of early diagnosis, inclusive education, and policies that promote the well-being of autistic individuals worldwide (United Nations, 2007). Autism touches the lives of everyone in ways that are both profound and personal. Whether you’re a parent, sibling, teacher, friend, or simply part of a community, autism has a ripple effect that goes far beyond the individual diagnosed with it. It is not just about the challenges—it’s about the beauty of seeing the world through a different lens and learning to embrace diversity in its truest form.

Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by differences in social communication, behavior, and sensory processing. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 1 in 36 children in the United States is diagnosed with ASD (CDC, 2023). The spectrum nature of autism means that its manifestations vary widely, making tailored support and understanding essential for each individual.

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What Causes Measles?

Measles is caused by the measles virus (MeV), a highly contagious airborne virus. It spreads when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or even talks, releasing virus particles into the air【1】. What makes measles especially dangerous is its ability to linger in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours【2】. That means you can catch it just by being in the same room as an infected person—even if they’ve already left.

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