© 2005-2012 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO). All rights reserved worldwide.
This section has been reviewed and approved by the Cancer.Net Editorial Board, 1/2013
Each cancer survivor has a story to share, but when and how to share that personal story is the decision of the survivor. Telling other people about a cancer experience involves sharing personal information. Some people are more inclined to share information about their cancer diagnosis and its treatment as they happen, such as on a daily blog. Others prefer to keep details private at first or for a long time, as the topic may be too painful or too recent to discuss.
This is an individual choice. It is always your decision how much to share, regardless of any probing or intrusive interest or questions. Learn more about sharing your story.
The LIVESTRONG Foundation developed an educational program called LIVESTRONG, which is a resource created to educate survivors and their friends, families, and caregivers about cancer survivorship. LIVESTRONG offers Survivorship Stories-stories of real survivors sharing their experience with cancer. Through words and videos, survivors from across the United States talk candidly about what their lives have been like since completing active treatment and what survivorship means to them.
More Information
Survivorship: Next Steps to Take
Online Communities for Support
Additional Resources
LIVESTRONG: Telling Others You are a Survivor
LIVESTRONG: Meeting Other Survivors