Independence from Cancer on July 4th

This Fourth of July holiday, we’re not only celebrating the red, white and blue that honors the independence and freedom of our country, but also freedom from cancer and the cancer “blues.” Feeling this sense of freedom may mean that you’re cancer-free or that you’re unwilling to let a cancer diagnosis define you.

To be cancer-free means that tests show no evidence of any cancer remaining in the body, a term coined “complete remission.” In some cases, it is possible to complete treatment but still have some evidence of the cancer. This is called “partial remission.”

At Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, many of our patients and their families experience a wide range of emotions during and after cancer treatment. Often, freedom from cancer is both something to celebrate and something that comes with an air of caution. That’s because the joy of being cancer-free may be accompanied by fear that the cancer may return.

Fighting cancer is a tremendously emotional experience, so take comfort in the fact that you’re not alone. For patients dealing with any cancer diagnosis, Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian offer a patient support group on the first and third Thursday of every month from 12-1p.m. For more information about this safe and supportive place for those dealing with any cancer diagnosis, please contact Susan Marchal at (212) 746–9039.

Have a wonderful holiday!

This article originally appeared on “What’s New In GU?,” a blog from the NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Genitourinary (GU) Oncology Program.