A member asked:

If i am free from cancer for 5 months can i call my self survivor yet?

2 doctors weighed in across 2 answers

Depends: Many would say that you are a cancer "survivor" as soon as you complete treatment. For most cancers, recurrence can happen at any time, including many years after treatment. In general, the risk of recurrence tends to decrease as you get further away from treatment. 5 months is a relatively short time period for most cancers, so you should continue to follow your oncologist's recommendations.

Answered 3/21/2013

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Yes.: Cancer survivor is someone alive who has had a cancer diagnosis at any time in their past. Cure of cancer depends on which cancer, but traditionally cure has meant no cancer recurrance 5 years after diagnosis and treatment. There are a few cancers where the 5 year rule doesn't apply, however as they can recur more than 5 years later.

Answered 3/21/2013

5.2k views

Thank

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