Baltimore, MD (May 30, 2014)  – Sunday, June 1, 2014 is National Cancer Survivors Day. A cancer survivor is anyone who is living with a history of cancer, from the moment of diagnosis through the remainder of life.

Major advances in cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment mean that more Marylanders than ever before are living with and beyond a cancer diagnosis. However, survivors often face physical, financial, and emotional challenges that can persist for years beyond their diagnosis.

To address the challenges that cancer survivors face, the Maryland Cancer Collaborative has released a new Guide to Cancer Survivorship Care and Resources for Cancer Patients. The guide is intended to be used by patients, caregivers, and health care providers, and was developed to assist cancer patients in understanding the phases and components of comprehensive quality cancer care. The guide outlines many issues that may impact a patient throughout the cancer survivorship journey, and is divided into three phases of survivorship: Treatment Planning, Active Treatment, and Post Treatment.

Each phase of the guide links to a comprehensive list of Maryland resources that patients can access to assist with various needs. All resources serve regions in Maryland and provide free or low-cost services directly to patients. The resources included provide patient services to address physical needs, psychological or emotional needs, and financial needs, among others. The guide is available online at:

phpa.dhmh.maryland.gov/cancer/cancerplan/SitePages/SurvivorshipGuide_PatientResources.aspx.

Five year cancer survivor and advocate, Kelly O’Donnell Ware, believes that “cancer is a journey far beyond the medical side. Through the whirlwind of doctors’ appointments, surgery, and treatment, there are other needs that evolve for the patient and caregiver such as emotional and financial challenges that require nurturing.” She believes that ”the Maryland Cancer Collaborative’s Guide to Cancer Survivorship and Resources for Cancer Patients offers the resources to support cancer patients and their families through all phases of their cancer journey.”

The Maryland Cancer Collaborative is a statewide coalition of volunteers who work to implement the Maryland Comprehensive Cancer Control Plan. The Collaborative has open membership and welcomes members of the public including cancer survivors to join its efforts. Benefits of membership include regular updates on cancer control activities throughout Maryland, opportunities for networking, and access to educational resources and training opportunities.

To learn more, please visit the Collaborative’s website, http://phpa.dhmh.maryland.gov/cancer/cancerplan, Facebook page,
www.facebook.com/marylandcancercollaborative, or call the Center for Cancer Prevention and Control at 410-767-5281.