If you have or know someone who has cancer, you can understand the great toll this can take on your life both emotionally as well as physically. It’s no secret that many who have cancer do not get to tell a triumph story of overcoming it and getting on with their lives. It seems as though it’s easier to concentrate on the win column than the latter, and it gives people hope that they too can be cancer survivors.

As was earlier stated, many people choose to believe that all cancer for all people can be defeated. This is a good attitude, but not a very practical manner of looking at the disorder. Cancer survivors we hear and read about often endure painful recurring treatments that have no guarantee of affecting the cancer as they hope it to. Yet, through the trial and through the pain they refuse to give up. This is truly inspiring.

Beating cancer is not a certainty, but with advances through modern science cures are literally on the horizon for many of these cancer types. If you are one of the fortunate souls that current treatment works for, it can still be hard to get back on the horse of a normal life. No matter how you slice it, you are not the same person you were before you found out you had cancer, even if you no longer do.

We should pretend for just a moment that the doctor has just told you that you no longer had cancer. He tells you that the painful treatment was worth it, and you were a survivor. Surely you would be overcome with joy, thankful that you were smiled upon from up above. You could hardly wait for the opportunity to hurry and tell your friends and family.

You might also feel a bit overwhelmed to what you want to do from here. You might feel a great tug to provide awareness to those who don’t understand the condition and who can help the cause. You might want to get well and strong enough to return to work somewhere. Whatever it is that you decide to do, there is help available for you.

Many services and programs have been bred from this terrible disease. Most often they focus on coping with having cancer or dealing with treatment. In these groups, the underlying message being not to give up. But there are many groups like this for cancer survivors as well offering help in rehabilitation, finding employment, and help paying bills.

Foundations and groups like LAF, or the Lance Armstrong Foundation, pride themselves on helping those through any stage of cancer. It's a battle from start to finish, even when you are cancer free. LAF has resources and help available to those dealing with any cancer related issue. Sometimes a kind voice on the other end of a phone means more than anything.

One of the most prolific blessings in the world today is hearing another story of triumph from someone who has been able to defeat cancer. They get to stand in victory and smile on the good fortune of getting another sunrise and sunset, something too many people take for granted.

Cancer is tough. It takes a lot out of you. cancer survivors are looking for support. When you or someone you love is a cancer survivor, click here.