History of Cancer survivor in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 15, 2026

A cancer survivor is defined as an individual living with or beyond cancer. The specific definition of 'survivor' varies, with some considering the term applicable from diagnosis, while others reserve it for those who have completed treatment. Disagreements exist regarding inclusion, such as whether terminally ill patients or healthy relatives should be considered survivors. Notably, some diagnosed individuals reject the label entirely or disagree with certain definitions.

1970: Childhood cancer viewed as universally fatal

Prior to 1970, childhood cancer was considered a universally fatal disease.

1985: Essay on Cancer Survivorship

In 1985, a physician diagnosed with cancer at 32 wrote an essay describing his experiences in three phases, acute survival, extended survival, and permanent survival, which led to the National Coalition of Cancer Survivorship.

1995: Increase in childhood cancer survival rate

From 1995 to 2000, the 5-year survival rate for children diagnosed with cancer was 80%.

1995: Creation of the National Cancer Institute's Office of Cancer Survivorship

In 1995, The National Cancer Institute's Office of Cancer Survivorship was created.

2000: Increase in childhood cancer survival rate

From 1995 to 2000, the 5-year survival rate for children diagnosed with cancer was 80%.

2009: Cancer Survivors in the U.S.

In 2009, approximately 11 million people in the U.S., representing one in thirty individuals, had either undergone or were currently undergoing cancer treatment.

2010: The US Affordable Care Act (ACA)

In 2010, The US Affordable Care Act (ACA) made it illegal for health insurance providers to deny coverage for a pre-existing condition, such as previously having survived cancer.

2012: Lack of Psychometrically Sound Measures for Fear of Cancer Recurrence

As of 2012, there were no psychometrically sound measures for the fear of cancer recurrence, which complicates research into the effectiveness of various treatment protocols.