DANVILLE, Pa. — June is National Cancer Survivors Month, a time to honor and celebrate people who have survived cancer.
Remission marks a major turning point in cancer treatments. It means your body has little to no sign of the disease, but technically, it does not mean you are cured.
"It's very difficult to say a patient is cured. The only way we know if remission led to cure is time. But if you are in complete remission, chances are you can be cured," said Dr. Sorab Gupta, a Geisinger hematologist/oncologist.
The time it takes to get to remission varies by patient and by case. Dr. Gupta says typically, if someone is in complete remission for five years, they are considered cured. Dr. Gupta says if you are in remission, make sure to get regular checkups with your doctor so you stay in remission. It's also important to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle.
"Which includes a healthy diet, exercising regularly, limited alcohol consumption, stopping smoking, and less stress and proper sleep."
More information on cancer care and treatment is available from Geisinger.