Samantha Siegel: What do you want everyone to know about survivorship?
Samantha Siegel, a primary care doctor, cancer survivor and advocate, shared on LinkedIn:
“Survivorship 101
The other day, someone asked me: What do you want everyone to know about survivorship? Figured I’d share here:
-Many people don’t identify with the term “survivor.” That doesn’t mean they should be denied access to SURVIVORSHIP.
-Surveillance is not the same as survivorship.
-A sense of wellbeing and vitality are possible in all stages of cancer.
-Healthcare providers can help patients cultivate a sense of vitality in cancer. One that is personally and culturally relevant.
-Meaning and purpose can be protective in cancer.
-Please reduce the use of battle language. Some of us wanted to love our bodies through this instead of waging a war.
-Cancer PTSD is real. It can manifest from seemingly harmless things like a twinge in the affected area of the body or even a scent. Future health care should be trauma informed.
-When taking care of survivors, it’s OK if you don’t know everything. It matters that you care enough to ask and to try.
-Check out this cancer pcp website, a repository of basic survivorship information and a good place to get started!
https://cancersurvivorshipprimarycare.org/
Sending peace, love and light this holiday season. 🌈”
Source: Samantha Siegel / LinkedIn