Baptist Health Cancer Care Honors Strength and Resilience: National Cancer Survivors Day

National Cancer Survivors Day is June 1, 2025, a time to honor the strength, resilience, and courage of individuals who have faced cancer and emerged as survivors.

It’s also an occasion to reflect on the unique challenges they endure beyond treatment, and to recognize the vital role of comprehensive survivorship care. Baptist Health Miami Cancer Institute is committed to continuous care, healing, and quality of life — a philosophy embodied in its Cancer Survivorship Program.

Supporting the Whole Person

Surviving cancer is a major victory, but the journey doesn’t end when treatment concludes. Survivors often find themselves grappling with new questions and fears: What if the cancer comes back? How do I manage lingering side effects? What’s next for my health and well-being?

Kristina Espinosa, Psy.D., PMH-C, an oncology psychologist with Miami Cancer Institute, understands these concerns intimately. She emphasizes the importance of supporting patients not only through treatment but also during the crucial phase of survivorship.

“When a patient hears the word ‘cancer’ they may have so many questions and concerns and it can weigh heavily on them,” says Dr. Espinosa. “From their very first appointment we’re right there by their side, every step of the way. We aim to make sure all their physical and emotional needs are met throughout their cancer journey.”

This holistic and compassionate approach defines the essence of the Survivorship Program, which provides tailored support to help patients transition from active treatment to life beyond cancer.

The Survivorship Program: Living Beyond Cancer

Miami Cancer Institute’s Survivorship Program was developed with the understanding that recovery involves more than physical healing — it includes emotional recovery, lifestyle adjustments, and proactive planning for future health. The program is specially designed for patients who have completed treatment and show no evidence of disease.

Survivors who join the program begin with a personalized consultation with a nurse practitioner or physician assistant, who collaborates closely with their oncologists to create a comprehensive and customized care plan. This plan is a roadmap for post-treatment life, covering everything from surveillance testing to wellness strategies.

Key components of the Survivorship Program include:

• Personalized Treatment Summary and Care Plan: Detailed records of your cancer diagnosis, treatment, and future care recommendations are shared with you, your primary care provider, and your cancer care team.
• Scheduled Surveillance: Regular visits and testing help monitor for cancer recurrence and detect any new cancers early.
• Management of Side Effects: From fatigue and pain to emotional and cognitive challenges, the program offers support to manage both short- and long-term side effects.
• Specialist Referrals: Patients may be referred to cardiologists, pulmonologists, fertility experts, genetic counselors, and other specialists based on individual needs.
• Nutrition and Lifestyle Support: Nutritional counseling, exercise referrals, and weight management services are available to promote healthier living.
• Preventive Screenings: Continued cancer screenings ensure proactive health monitoring.

This proactive and multifaceted care structure reflects Miami Cancer Institute’s dedication to seeing each survivor not just as a patient, but as a whole person with evolving needs.

Louise Morrell, M.D., medical director of Lynn Cancer Institute at Boca Raton Regional Hospital, part of Baptist health, is a medical oncologist who began her career specializing in breast cancer treatment. She has spent more than 25 years focusing on cancer genetics and hereditary cancer syndromes which have helped improve cancer survivorship significantly

 “The expanded use of genetic testing to identify individuals at higher cancer risk -- such as breast, ovarian, colon, uterine, pancreas, prostate cancer and other rare tumors -- can identify individuals who can benefit from advanced screening and prevention,” she says.

The Emotional Journey of Survivorship

While medical support is critical, emotional well-being is equally important. Many survivors find it difficult to navigate relationships, communicate their experience, or adjust to a new normal.

“Facing a cancer diagnosis and navigating how to cope can seem overwhelming,” Dr. Espinosa acknowledges. “You may feel many emotions and want to reach out to those closest to you for support but that also means facing the challenge of what and how to disclose what you are going through. The way you approach telling others is very personal and there is no one right way to go about it.”

These insights highlight the importance of personalized psychosocial support, which is integral to the Survivorship Program. Whether it’s connecting survivors with counselors, support groups, or stress management resources, the program strives to empower patients emotionally, mentally, and socially.

Honoring Survivors and Continuing the Journey

National Cancer Survivors Day serves as both a celebration and a reminder: life after cancer matters, and survivorship care is essential. At Baptist Health Miami Cancer Institute, the Survivorship Program ensures that this next chapter is filled with hope, guidance, and a clear path forward.

“We understand how difficult navigating a cancer diagnosis can be and we strive to make the patient’s experience as positive and beneficial as possible,” says Dr. Espinosa. It’s a sentiment that resonates deeply with everyone touched by cancer and affirms the Institute’s unwavering commitment to survivorship.