On Wednesday, June 21, 2023, at 12 p.m. ET, the COA Patient Advocacy Network (CPAN) explored a lesser-known topic in cancer care: the mental health of cancer survivors. Much attention is paid to the mental health of patients with cancer (and rightfully so!), but those who survive their journey with disease also need support. Once a person is declared cancer-free, they enter a new phase of life where their physical capabilities, outlook on life, general emotional state, and plans for the future may have changed. As survivors adjust to this new world, they need support from family, friends, and caregivers.

Diane Simard, the founder of the Center for Oncology Psychology Excellence (COPE) at the University of Denver, joined COA’s Director of Patient Advocacy and Education Rose Gerber for this important talk. Diane, a breast cancer survivor, formed COPE in response to the lack of mental health support for patients, survivors, and caregivers that she witnessed during her treatment. During the June chat, Rose and Diane discussed their experiences as cancer survivors, what resources they wish were available to them during their treatment, what resources you can use to support those affected by cancer, and what everyone should be telling lawmakers and those in charge about the importance of mental health support in the oncology space.

This event was part of our virtual CPAN Advocacy Chats series - short, monthly educational webinars on key cancer issues and the policies that impact them. Each month will feature a new topic and special guests joining us. Patients, survivors, caregivers, and other cancer care advocates are all invited to join us for these free, interactive, virtual events!