Who is considered a cancer survivor?

A cancer survivor is defined as anyone who has ever been diagnosed with cancer. This inclusive definition encompasses all individuals at any point in their journey, from diagnosis to ongoing life after treatment, regardless of the current status of their health or whether they have completed any treatment. The notion of survivorship acknowledges the physical, emotional, and psychological impact of a cancer diagnosis on an individual’s life.

Survivorship is also about the broader experience of living with and beyond cancer, recognizing that the effects of cancer and its treatment can last a lifetime. This definition is endorsed by numerous cancer organizations, which stress the importance of recognizing all those who have experienced the disease.

While some may believe survivors are only those who have completed treatment, or that there are specific criteria such as living five years post-diagnosis, these conditions are not universally applicable. Acknowledging someone as a cancer survivor does not negate the struggles faced during and after treatment, nor does it diminish the experiences of those still undergoing treatment.