June 28 celebration event is free and open to the public
People are more likely to survive cancer today than ever before. According to Cancer.org, the five-year relative survival rate for all cancers combined is now nearly 70% – reflecting an increase of roughly 30 percent from 1960 – 2020. To celebrate this progress and cancer survivorship, Cancer Support Community North Texas (CSCNT), Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas and Texas Oncology are hosting a joint “Community is Stronger Than Cancer” Day on Saturday, June 28, from 11am – 1pm at the Dallas Clubhouse of CSCNT (8196 Walnut Hill Lane, LL10).
The free event, which is open to the public, is a day of awareness to promote the support, resources, and services provided to cancer patients and their families. Activities will include arts and crafts, bingo, a raffle, cake walk, ice cream sundae bar, kids’ activities and more.
“We are joining together to shine a light on cancer survivorship, because we’ve come so far in treating this disease – both medically and from a mental health perspective,” says CSCNT CEO Mirchelle Louis. “It truly takes a village to care for those diagnosed with cancer and their families, but more people are surviving and thriving than ever. That’s certainly something to celebrate!”
Jaya Juturi, M.D., a board-certified oncologist with Texas Oncology who is on the medical staff at Texas Health Dallas, agrees: “Survivorship is not just about the years added to life, but the life added to years … The resilience, grace and strength of cancer survivors is an inspiration. It’s as they say – not fearing the storm but choosing to dance in the rain!”
The celebration, originated by national Cancer Support Community, takes place each year on June 28, a date that coincides with the birthday of one of the great comic geniuses of the 20th century: Beloved Saturday Night Live star Gilda Radner, who died of ovarian cancer.
The following data provides greater context surrounding cancer survivorship in the U.S.
- According to the American Cancer Society, as of Jan. 1, 2025, there are:
- 6 million cancer survivors in the U.S. By 2035, this number is projected to reach more than 22 million.
- Within that, there are 4.3 million women living with a history of breast cancer – a number expected to increase to 5.3 million by 2035 – nearly one million more breast cancer survivors.
- Cancer.org sites that:
- The five-year relative survival rate for all cancers combined in the U.S. is now nearly 70% for people diagnosed between 2014 and 2020.
- Survival gains are seen across nearly all major cancer types, though the degree of improvement varies by cancer type and patient age.
As for the notable increase in survivorship, research points to targeted therapies, early detection, immunotherapy, and advances in supportive care.
People interested in attending the event are asked to register here or call 214.345.8230.