Self-advocacy for Cancer Survivors

Advocacy means to actively support a cause, idea or policy. The National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS) argues that advocacy is a continuum that starts at the moment of diagnosis. That is the defining moment when individuals diagnosed with cancer (and/or their loved ones) must play a very active role in assuring that they receive quality care.

When I taught college students I told them it is not a question of whether they will encounter challenges in life; the issue is what tools they carry in their life journey backpacks to help them cope with hardships. The tools that helped us maneuver through school, relationships and career challenges may not work as well when we are faced with a potentially life threatening illness. The most critical tools in the cancer journey are asserting yourself and clearly communicating your needs. As NCCS notes, “it ultimately means that you are taking responsibility and assuming some control of your life circumstances with cancer.” It is about empowering yourself and working with your health care team as an active and questioning partner, not a passive recipient of care. Shared responsibility for your care can enhance your physical, emotional, and mental well-being.

Cancer and its treatment can make you feel that you have no or little control over your life. Being an advocate for yourself can help you regain some of that lost control, build confidence that you can face challenges that seem overwhelming, connect with others, improve the quality of your life, and potentially make a difference in the lives of other cancer patients in your community and beyond. In short, rather than sinking into a helpless and hopeless hollow, self-advocacy can help you climb to a more hopeful and active perch.

Who is a Cancer Advocate? You are!

Just by participating in the Providence Regional Cancer System blog, you are taking an active step to become an informed and communicative decision-maker throughout the cancer journey.

Next steps? Check out the links below:

• NCCS Self- Advocacy: A Cancer Survivor’s Handbook
  This is a fantastic resource that includes the Cancer Survivors’ Bill of Rights and other great information on cancer advocacy.
• NCCS Cancer Survival Toolbox®
  The Cancer Survival Toolbox® is a free, self-learning audio program that has been developed by leading cancer organizations to help people develop important skills to better meet and understand the challenges of their illness.
• Facing Forward: Making a Difference in Cancer (National Cancer Institute)
  If you feel ready to give back to others, this is a great resource on how to get started. 
• Saving Lives Through Advocacy (American Cancer Society)