What You Should Know About National Cancer Survivors Day®
National Cancer Survivors Day: A Call to Action. A Celebration of Life.
National Cancer Survivors Day® is a poignant, inspiring annual Celebration of Life led by the National Cancer Survivors Day Foundation. It is also a call to action for further research, more resources, and increased public awareness to improve the lives of cancer survivors.
This day provides an opportunity for all people living with a history of cancer – including America’s more than 18 million cancer survivors – to connect with each other, celebrate milestones, and recognize those who have supported them along the way.
When is NCSD?
National Cancer Survivors Day® is celebrated each year on the first Sunday in June. In 2025, NCSD will take place on June 1.
Who is a cancer survivor?
Anyone living with a history of cancer – from the moment of diagnosis through the remainder of life – is a cancer survivor, as defined by the National Cancer Survivors Day Foundation.
Do I have to be a cancer survivor to celebrate National Cancer Survivors Day®?
No. NCSD is a day for everyone – whether you’re a cancer survivor, caregiver, healthcare professional, family member, or friend – to join in solidarity with cancer survivors around the world. Anyone can host or attend a National Cancer Survivors Day® Celebration of Life.
Is National Cancer Survivors Day® only celebrated in the U.S.?
No. NCSD started in the U.S. and is celebrated annually in hundreds of communities nationwide, and now is celebrated around the world. Official National Cancer Survivors Day® events have been held in at least 16 countries across 5 continents. International Survivors Day events have taken place in the Bahamas, Canada, Guyana, India, Kenya, the Netherlands, Malawi, Rwanda, South Africa, St. Lucia, Tanzania, Thailand, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, and Zambia, among other nations.
What can you do on NCSD?
- Host a celebration.
The National Cancer Survivors Day Foundation gives you everything you need to organize a Celebration of Life, including a step-by-step guide that takes the guesswork out of planning your NCSD event. Get started. - Learn about cancer survivorship issues.
Cancer survivors face ongoing, often long-lasting, hardships because of their disease. These include long-term physical and emotional side effects, increased risk for second cancers and other health problems, and potentially devastating financial setbacks. Discover more. - Raise awareness.
The NCSD Foundation believes we must continue to advocate for more resources, research, and legislation to improve the quality of life of cancer survivors – during cancer treatment and beyond. We urge everyone who takes part in NCSD to bring awareness to the challenges cancer survivors face throughout their lives. - Join your community’s celebration.
We encourage everyone, whether you’re a cancer survivor or a supporter, to join the worldwide celebration. To find out how your community is celebrating, contact the National Cancer Survivors Day Foundation. Reach out.
What does the National Cancer Survivors Day Foundation do?
The nonprofit NCSD Foundation offers free guidance, education, networking resources, and assistance to hundreds of hospitals, support groups, and other cancer-related organizations that host official National Cancer Survivors Day® celebrations. The Foundation’s primary mission is to improve quality of life for cancer survivors by educating the public on issues of survivorship.
How can I support the NCSD Foundation?
National Cancer Survivors Day® would not be possible without the generous financial contributions of our national supporters who believe in our mission. If you are interested in joining us as an official supporter of NCSD, contact the Foundation for more details. Your donation is 100% tax-deductible. Learn more here.
