The first Sunday in June is the traditional day to celebrate Cancer Survivors Day. This year, on June 5, America's 12 million cancer survivors joined survivors around the world to observe the 24th annual National Cancer Survivors Day.

Participants unite to show the world that life after a cancer diagnosis can be meaningful and productive. The National Cancer Survivors Day website is full of ideas and tips about planning an event or attending one near your city. See Coping magazine for an article and photos from 2010 events.

Cancer survivors know that they can live a fulfilling life after a cancer diagnosis. Still, it can be difficult to cope with the effects, such as physical, emotional or financial hardships, like denial of health and life insurance coverage. Advocates campaign for more resources, research and survivor-friendly legislation.

At the National Cancer Institute website, read "Facing Forward: Life After Cancer Treatment." This series of articles is a guide to the follow-up medical care needed, ways to manage physical changes, discussing fears and feelings and getting back into the workplace.