Emily Martin

When you are first diagnosed with cancer, there might be quite a lot going on in your mind. We also know that the emotions and feelings associated with cancer don’t necessarily go away with time. The Cancer Support Community’s Research and Training Institute presented findings from a new study, at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Survivorship Symposium, which found that well over a third of cancer patients over a year from diagnosis and beyond continue to report moderate to very serious concerns across a range of issues, including feeling worried about the future, finances, sadness and depression.

The Cancer Support Community has locations all over the world where people can find support during their cancer journey. Each year, leaders from each of these brick-and-mortar centers come together at our Affiliate Leadership Conference to discuss ways to increase the delivery of our mission—to ensure that all people impacted by cancer are empowered by knowledge, strengthened by action and sustained by community. Fittingly, the theme of this year’s conference is “Nuturing our Network, Increasing our Impact.”

Last weekend was a great weekend to be outside and enjoy autumn weather—especially in Lewiston, Maine, where the Cancer Support Community and three other nonprofits represented Amgen’s Breakaway from Cancer initiative. To raise vital funds for a local organization called the Patrick Dempsey Center for Hope and Healing (yes, we’re talking about McDreamy!) Amgen and Breakaway from Cancer sponsored the Dempsey Challenge, a weekend full of events for the whole family. On Saturday, there was a 5K and 10K run/walk, where local groups showed off their creative team t-shirts in support or in honor of their loved ones who have had cancer. The next day was a cycling race where riders challenged themselves with routes ranging from 10 to 100 miles.

During a public meeting at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) last month, a lung cancer survivor shared her experience. When she was diagnosed years ago, the first thing her doctor said to her was, “How should we begin your smoking cessation program?” The woman had never even been a smoker—just like one out of every five people living with lung cancer. She then pointed out that even if she had been, 60% of people diagnosed with lung cancer have already quit smoking, and many long-time smokers became addicted when they were just teens—and for many, that was before government warnings and stricter laws on advertising

The Breakaway from Cancer partnership is all about working together as a team to help people find the vital resources they need before, during and after their cancer journey. Over the past week, the Cancer Support Community, the Prevent Cancer Foundation, the Patient Advocate Foundation and the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship have been traveling up the coast of California following America’s biggest professional cycling race, The Amgen Tour of California. With the help of our California Cancer Support Community affiliates this week, we’ve connected tons of people to local and national resources that can help them through the cancer experience.

It’s been a hot first couple of days in southern California, and I’m not just talking about the weather! The Amgen Tour of California kicked off Sunday in Escondido, a city just north of San Diego. Professional cyclist Lieuwe Westra of Team Vacansoleil-DCM took first place at Stage 1, on a complex 102.6 mile course on a day where temperatures hit 104 degrees Fahrenheit. Stage 2 ended atop picturesque Mount San Jacinto in Palm Springs, at a challenging altitude of 9,790 feet. Janier Acevedo of Team Jamis-Hagens Berman took first place on that round today.

Breakaway from Cancer is a national initiative to increase awareness of important resources available to people affected by cancer—from prevention through survivorship. Founded in 2005, it is a partnership between Amgen and four cancer-related nonprofits: Cancer Support

Around this time last year, I wrote a post on New Year’s resolutions for people living with cancer. If you’re looking to live well in 2015, this is a great place to start—but if you still aren’t a fan of the traditional New Year’s resolution, take a look at some of these suggestions for getting a fresh start this year:

Today is World Cancer Day, an opportunity to raise awareness of cancer and its impact on local communities all over the globe. This year’s theme is “Not Beyond Us.” This tagline can be interpreted and applied in a few different ways. One idea that came to my mind is the impact that cancer continues to have even after a person is finished with treatment. Life doesn’t just go back to normal. Cancer survivors are often faced with challenges even after they’ve been declared cancer-free.

If you’re living with cancer and are trying to live healthier in the New Year, check out our suggestions and, remember, if you’re considering making major changes to your exercise or eating habits, consult with your health care team first.

The Cancer Support Community applauds the decision issued by the Supreme Court today, which ensures that millions of Americans will not lose access to their health care coverage. In its decision, the court ruled against the challengers in King v. Burwell, a landmark case that would have had a devastating impact on millions of people who receive health care coverage under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). King v. Burwell called into question a small phrase in the ACA which says that subsidies will be made available to people buying health insurance on the state-established exchanges, or marketplaces. The plaintiffs in the case argued that this phrase should not apply to people purchasing insurance on the federal exchange–which is currently used by 34 states and more than 7.5 million people.

New app enables you to listen to audio versions of CSC blog posts and news.

A personal story about sun safety and Melanoma.

The Breakaway from Cancer initiative is nothing new—in fact, it has been going strong for 10 years! This partnership is unique in that it brings cancer organizations together to share resources and help patients and their loved ones get the support they need.