Olympian Swimmer Helps Cancer Survivors

by TSC/PIO
Oct. 11, 2009

Cancer Center Celebrities 25th Anniversary

Olympic swimmer and testicular cancer survivor Eric Shanteau will share his story of challenge and triumph as part of the celebration of the 25th anniversary of the After Completion of Therapy Clinic of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

This month, the facility is marking a quarter of a century of service aimed at supporting and following survivors’ progress for decades after treatment. Shanteau, who underwent therapy last year, was diagnosed just one week before he was due to compete in the 2008 Olympic Games but was still able to participate and achieved a personal best time in the 200-meter breaststroke.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, cancer is the second leading cause of death in the U.S., and the National Cancer Institute estimates that more than 1.4 million Americans will be diagnosed with it in 2009.

At the same time, treatments have become more successful, and gathering long-term data on survivors has become important to improving their quality of life and yielding scientific insights into new treatments, according to the hospital.

“It is important to remember that survivorship begins at the day of diagnosis. We consider all of our patients survivors,” says Dr. Melissa Hudson, co-leader of the Cancer Prevention and Control Program.

She adds the clinic’s main goal is to help people thrive despite their medical history. “We want them to see that, once they get through therapy, they can lead normal, productive lives,” Hudson emphasizes.

Those interested in supporting the hospital’s work may visit its website to offer a donation.

Meanwhile, patients facing a cancer diagnosis, as well as their families and friends, may access valuable informational resources through the American Cancer Society or the National Cancer Institute.

Source: The Survivors Club

 

Editor’s Note: This month is Cancer Breast Month, please support this great cause.

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