Jennifer Young, a melanoma survivor, reflects on what it meant to see her daughter reach age 19, the same age she was when she was first diagnosed. She shares how her cancer experience made her more resilient, more empathetic, and more grateful for everyday moments.

For survivors who have finished treatment and are in remission, the question “Am I cured?” is both natural and complicated. In this thoughtful patient handout, Dr. Wendy Harpham explores how the word “cure” is used in oncology, why some doctors avoid it, and what survivors truly need to focus on after treatment.

What should high-quality survivorship care look like? In this presentation, Dr. Michelle Mollica of the National Cancer Institute outlines new national standards that aim to ensure every survivor receives comprehensive, evidence-based support after treatment. From care coordination to managing long-term effects, these guidelines offer a roadmap for improving both patient outcomes and research.

Cancer survivors face a 14% higher risk of developing entirely new cancers (secondary malignancies) compared to the general population, and they account for nearly 19% of all cancer diagnoses in the U.S. Oncology Advanced Practice Providers (APPs) highlight that past treatments, especially radiation and certain chemotherapies like alkylating agents, platinum-based drugs, anthracycline topoisomerase II inhibitors, and even targeted therapies, can contribute to long-term risk.

Many long-term Hodgkin lymphoma survivors face an increased risk of developing secondary cancers, often as a result of earlier treatments like chemotherapy or radiation. These risks can emerge years or even decades after treatment, making ongoing awareness and screening a critical part of survivorship care.

In a heartfelt reflection, Cancer Fighters Specialist Avery Garn explores the emotional complexity of cancer survivorship. Survivors often carry both joy and sorrow—celebrating milestones while remembering the difficult journey it took to get there.

Insomnia is one of the most common late effects of cancer treatment, yet it is often overlooked in survivorship care. Fewer than half of NCI-designated cancer centers routinely screen for sleep problems, and many oncologists and nurses rarely ask about it. As a result, fewer than one in five survivors struggling with sleep ever mention it to their care team. Effective treatments for insomnia do exist, but they are not always discussed due to lack of time, knowledge, or resources.

Dr. Keith Bellizzi, a four-time cancer survivor and psycho-oncology researcher, shares lessons on resilience and survivorship. He highlights focusing on what you can control, managing emotions, and pausing to conserve energy as key strategies. Ultimately, he believes cancer is “beaten” by living with purpose and passion, on one’s own terms.