National Cancer Survivors Day® (NCSD) is an annual Celebration of Life held on the first Sunday in June, dedicated to honoring cancer survivors, inspiring those recently diagnosed, supporting families, and reaching out to the community to raise awareness about the challenges faced by cancer survivors.

While many communities host public events, individuals and small groups can also commemorate this special day on their own. Here are some meaningful ways you can celebrate National Cancer Survivors Day® at home:

1. Hold a Virtual Gathering

Connect with fellow survivors, family, and friends through a virtual meeting platform. Share stories, offer support, and celebrate milestones together. Consider inviting a guest speaker to discuss topics related to cancer survivorship.

2. Host a Small Get-Together

Want to have a small party at home, a local restaurant, or another familiar location to celebrate NCSD? Consider one of these party themes for your personal Celebration of Life:

• Pajama party: Stay comfy and celebrate your cancer survivorship with a cozy pajama party. Watch an uplifting or lighthearted movie; pamper yourself with face masks, candles, and calming music; and treat yourself to your favorite comfort foods and snacks.
• Superhero party: Have everyone dress as their favorite superhero, share the “superpowers” that aided you in your battle with cancer, and reflect on the heroes in your life, such as caregivers, fellow cancer survivors, and medical teams.
• Garden party: Plant flowers, herbs, or a tree to symbolize your cancer survivorship. Decorate with flowers and fairy lights while enjoying tea, finger sandwiches, and fresh fruit. Or visit a local botanical garden, arboretum, or park to soak up the healing power of nature.
• Art party: Host an art-inspired celebration. Paint or draw something that represents your healing journey, write a poem, craft a scrapbook, or attend a painting class, journal workshop, or art museum.

2. Create a Personal Reflection Space

Dedicate a corner of your home to reflecting on your cancer journey. Display photos, mementos, and journals that represent your experiences and achievements. This space can serve as a reminder of your strength and resilience.

3. Plan a Special Meal

Prepare a meal that holds significance to you, perhaps a favorite dish you enjoyed during cancer treatment or a recipe that symbolizes new beginnings. Share the meal with loved ones to celebrate life and togetherness. If you’re not up to cooking, invite your friends and family to dinner out at your favorite restaurant or another place that has special significance.

4. Take a Hike

Gather friends and family, or set out on your own, for a hike along a local nature trail. If a hike is not for you, no problem, take a walk, stroll, bike ride, or scooter around your neighborhood, local park, or walking trail. Reflect on your cancer journey as you journey through the great outdoors.

5. Light a Candle

Hold a personal candle-lighting ceremony to honor your experience and the experiences of others affected by cancer. This simple act can be a profound moment of reflection and hope.

6. Share Your Story

Consider writing about your cancer experience and sharing it on social media or a personal blog. Your cancer survival story can inspire and support others facing similar challenges. 

7. Practice Self-Care

Dedicate the day to self-care activities that rejuvenate your mind, body, and spirit, such as yoga, meditation, or a nature walk. Prioritizing your well-being is a vital component of cancer survivorship.

8. Pursue a Personal Achievement

Make National Cancer Survivors Day® the day you accomplish a personal achievement. Participate in a triathlon or warrior race, run a half-marathon, do a CrossFit challenge, anything you’ve set a personal goal of completing. This is a fantastic way to Celebrate Life and show the world that life after cancer can be beautiful, meaningful, and triumphant. 

9. Look Toward the Future

Set new goals or plan activities that excite you. Looking forward to the future can inspire hope and motivation as you continue your journey beyond cancer.

10. Raise Awareness

NCSD is a Celebration of Life, but it is also a call to action to address the physical, emotional, financial, and social burdens cancer survivors face because of their disease. It’s a day to show the world that cancer survivorship isn’t about just being alive after cancer. It’s about living life as fully as possible. The NCSD website has free fill-in-the-blank signs you can download and print at home to use for photos capturing this moment in your cancer survivorship journey. Add your own personalized message, take a photo holding the sign, and share it on social media, using the hashtag #NCSD2025 or #CelebrateLife. Help us spread the message that there is life after cancer and that’s something to celebrate!

Remember, National Cancer Survivors Day® is about celebrating life and acknowledging the challenges cancer survivors must overcome. Whether through reflection, connection, or celebration, with a group or solo, your at-home observance can be a meaningful tribute to your cancer journey and the broader cancer survivor community.