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Jefferson Healthcare hosts first annual cancer survivor event
Published 6:00 pm Sunday, May 17, 2026
A cancer diagnosis can change a person’s life forever, but survivorship is about far more than simply finishing treatment. Today, nearly 19 million cancer survivors live in the United States, and that number continues to grow thanks to advances in screening, early detection, and treatment.
To support survivors and their families, Jefferson Healthcare will host its First Annual Cancer Survivor Event on Wednesday, June 3, from 1 to 4 p.m. in the Dirksen Conference Room on the ground floor of Jefferson Healthcare Medical Center in Port Townsend.
The free community event is open to cancer survivors, caregivers, family members, and anyone interested in learning more about life after cancer treatment.
Why survivorship care matters
“Anyone who has gone through a cancer diagnosis is considered a cancer survivor,” explained Jefferson Healthcare Oncology Director Tricia Sinek. “Survivorship care is about helping people thrive physically, emotionally and mentally after treatment ends.”
More than 70 percent of cancer survivors now live at least five years beyond diagnosis, while nearly half live more than 10 years after diagnosis. These encouraging numbers highlight the growing importance of survivorship care – specialized follow-up care designed to support health and quality of life after treatment.
Cancer treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and immunotherapy can save lives, but they can also leave lasting effects on the body and mind. Survivorship care helps patients navigate those challenges through ongoing monitoring, rehabilitation, emotional support and wellness planning.
Many survivors benefit from continued follow-up care with their oncology team for several years after treatment ends. Personalized survivorship care plans can help patients track treatments, monitor long-term effects, coordinate screenings and create a roadmap for healthier living moving forward.
Practical tools and expert guidance
Jefferson Healthcare’s June 3 event is designed to provide practical, research-based tools for life after cancer. Presentations will include:
- Eating for Survival,” with registered dietitian Tricia Sinek, RDN
- “Strength After Breast Cancer,” with physical therapist Baily Havens, DPT, CLT
- A discussion on shared decision making in healthcare
- “Living Your Best Life After a Cancer Diagnosis,” with oncology nurse practitioner Melissa Jenkins, ARNP
Attendees will learn strategies related to nutrition, physical rehabilitation, symptom management and partnering effectively with healthcare providers. The event will also offer an opportunity to connect with other survivors, caregivers and community members in a supportive environment.
Jefferson Healthcare’s cancer program is accredited by the Commission on Cancer, a distinction earned by only a small percentage of rural cancer programs nationwide. Survivorship services are an important part of that commitment to high-quality care.
A small gift will be provided to every cancer survivor who attends the event.
For more information about survivorship services, contact Jefferson Healthcare Oncology and Infusion Services at 360-385-9961. To register for this event, visit JeffersonHealthcare.org/news.
About Jefferson Healthcare
Jefferson Healthcare is an award-winning, full-service healthcare organization meeting the care needs of East Jefferson County. Jefferson Healthcare offers inpatient and comprehensive outpatient services, including primary and specialty physician care. Learn more at jeffersonhealthcare.org