A cancer survivor is a person with cancer of any type who is still living. Whether a person becomes a survivor at the time of diagnosis or after completing treatment, whether people who are actively dying are considered survivors, and whether healthy friends and family members of the cancer patient are also considered survivors, varies from group to group. Profoundly inspirational cancer survivor quotes will encourage growth in life, make you wiser and broaden your perspective.
If you’re searching for motivating health quotes that perfectly capture what you’d like to say or just want to feel inspired yourself, browse through an amazing collection of inspiring wellness quotes, amazing healthy living quotes and top chronic illness quotes.
Famous Cancer Survivor Quotes
Being a cancer survivor is like being shaken in a kaleidoscope. You grasp for your bearings, desperate to find your balance amidst the chaos. When the dust finally settles, there is a new constellation of colors that are magical and beautiful. Renee Exelbert
You have to be willing to give up the life you planned, and instead, greet the life that is waiting for you. Joseph Campbell
It’s a choice to see joy. Choose it. It’s really easy to let the severity and awfulness of your diagnosis take over, but you can choose to acknowledge things are bad, but then focus your energy on even the tiniest blessings until you see more and more each day you’re able to be here, whether that’s 50 days or 50 years. Kristina Kotlus
Hope is like the sun, which, as we journey toward it, casts the shadow of our burden behind us. Samuel Smiles
Overcoming cancer awakens a courage and confidence inside of you that makes you want to live big, bold and intentional every day. It becomes much easier to grow as a person, because you have already been forced way out of your comfort zone. I don’t worry about failing when I try new things now, because my inner voice always reminds me that this can’t be any harder than cancer! Renee Ward
Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift that’s why it’s called the present. Eleanor Roosevelt
Remember that all cancers are not the same. Take each day as it comes and spend time doing things you enjoy with your loved ones. Robin Squellati
Our way is not soft grass; it’s a mountain path with lots of rocks. But it goes upwards, forward, toward the sun. Ruth Westheimer
I learned how to look at each silver lining without feeling like I was falling for a Hallmark card. Everything happens for a reason was still hard to hear, but it became the only way I could survive when the bad news kept coming. Ultimately, I realized what a miracle it really is to be alive and to lean into mindfulness, being present, as the best remedy for truly enjoying life. Stephanie Chuang
When we long for life without difficulties, remind us that oaks grow strong in contrary winds, and diamonds are made under pressure. Peter Marshall
When you are diagnosed, surround yourself with the best medical providers and uplifting friends. Going through cancer is scary and you can easily go down a path of negativity and darkness. But you can’t let yourself do that. You need to have positivity and encouragement from others. It truly does help you through your healing. Charlotte Shaff
Yesterday is gone, tomorrow has not yet come. We have only today, let us begin. Mother Teresa
Once you see the world through the cancer lens, you realize how many people are going through challenges and that you are never truly alone. Cynthia Hayes
Let nothing trouble you, let nothing frighten you. All things are passing; God never changes. Patience obtains all things. He who possesses God lacks nothing. God alone suffices. St. Teresa of Avila
I believe in life, no matter the circumstances, no matter what you are facing. You only have two choices. You can lay down and die, or you can get up and live! I choose life! I don’t want to be in this club and neither does my mother, father, sister or brother, but we all thank God we are. We are survivors. Barry Davis
Faith is the bird that sings when the dawn is still dark. Rabindranath Tagore
I am grateful to be alive and still have the quality of life which makes it possible for me to spread awareness related to the benefits of detecting prostate cancer early. Mical J. Roy
Hope is the ability to hear the music of the future. Faith is the courage to dance to it today. Peter Kuzmic
I feel so grateful for the family and friends that surrounded me during that difficult time. It pains me that there are so many men who don’t have the same resources or support system as I did. Jeffrey Wilde
Peace. It does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble or hard work. It means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart.
Beating cancer has been a team effort for me. I couldn’t have done it, and I can’t continue to fight it, without help. But it all starts with me, a cancer survivor. It all starts with me trying to help others become cancer survivors too. Al Wallace
In the depths of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer. Albert Camus
Cancer is deadly serious. I urge you to do whatever it takes to survive. Make your choices based on what you believe is best for you, your body, and your future. In this way, any treatment you choose will have the best possible effectiveness it can produce. Heidi Bright
Accept what is, let go of what was, and have faith in what will be. Sonia Ricotti
Before cancer I had this feeling that I was owed a certain level of happiness. After surviving cancer I realize we’re owed nothing, not even time, so I try to live in a state of appreciation. It’s difficult, but I have to tell you when you’re looking outside the window of a hospital room all the things we get tangled up in mean very little. So, be present and choose to be grateful. JP Faiella
Surround yourself with only people who are going to lift you higher. Oprah
It took me seven years to realize I wasn’t alone. I believed for seven years that I was the only 20 something with cancer in New York City. Matthew Zachary
Cancer is a word, not a sentence. John Diamond
Getting diagnosed with breast cancer at a young age, unveiled the meaning of life by removing the safety blanket I was wrapped in. I understood very quickly that life has a time limit, and because of this now ticking clock, I am able to live my life fully every single day, filling it only with things that bring me joy. We have one shot at this lifetime, live it fully. Dana Donofree
When I was given a short time to live, I was told by one of my kids, Mom, you’re a fighter! Let’s do this! Bollinger Appelhanz
I remember being in the treatment room and looking around and seeing all the sick people. I then got home and looked in the mirror and realized I was also one of those sick people. A few days later my sister Leah brought over this beautiful lipstick, I put it on and looked at myself and saw the real me. That person I once knew, and knew would get through this, said. Sarah Kelly
A complete stranger overheard a conversation between the pharmacist and myself the day that we received my husband’s diagnosis of an aggressive non Hodgkin lymphoma. As I prepared to leave, this gentleman apologized for listening to us, but felt like he needed to share these words My wife I were where you are a year ago. Please remember to never give up HOPE! We never forgot those words from a complete stranger and are forever thankful. Bobbie Harrington Henry
I always say, the darkest period of your life may actually reveal a beautiful gift. Be it family, friends, a new way you want to live your life or even letting go of toxic people things in your life. Stay open during illness to look for these gifts. They are there. Cynthia Besteman
My first oncologist told me When you read about the statistics/prognosis; remember that you are not a statistic, you are you and you are unique. The prognosis I later read about was not good, so his statement always gave me hope. I have survived over 10 years. The prognosis was 2 3 years. He was right! Karen Kockelman Schultz
Cancer does not define who I am, although it is a significant part of me and who I am becoming. Carrie Kreiswirth
Cancer is a marathon you can’t look at the finish line. You take it moment by moment, sometimes breath by breath, other times step by step. Sarah Betz Bucciero
I relied on my faith in God and the power of prayer to pull me out of some of my darkest moments. I recently thanked my Mom again for introducing me to Christ as He was my rock. Since those times, I’ve lived with so much more fervor, an immense gratitude and peace that I can’t describe. Cashmere Nicole
Plan for the worst, hope for the best and live for the moment! Tiffany Smith
Attitude is everything when you’re trying to heal. Stephanie Jackson
I don’t know what tomorrow holds, but I know who holds tomorrow. Sigrid Devida
There’s no greater weapon in your personal fight against cancer than focusing on your joy. I made a decision early on that I could either have cancer and be miserable, or have cancer and be full of joy whenever physically possibly. Loving life and being present in every moment you’re lucky enough to share with family and friends will not only help you defeat cancer, but will keep you focused on what matters while you’re beating it. Julie Stokes
People who said I am here for you were some of the sweetest words I ever heard. Sylvia Ramsey Savage
Your loved ones want to give you what you need right now. Tell them! Noel Van Dyke
Cancer doesn’t have to define you. Nelda Blair
I had just graduated from grad school at age 24 when I was diagnosed with cancer. In an instant the life I had planned for myself fell away. During my chemo treatments, my girlfriend and I read books and watched movies about potential cancer causes. We learned about risk reduction, and diet. She created a simple website and social media accounts sharing what we had learned. In the years since we have helped 1.5 million people learn more about health. We created a global brand, and have met with so many survivors. The life I had planned fell away, but the life I was meant to live became clear. It sounds cliche to say your worst day can be your best day but I am living proof. Michael Kuech
Every day is a chance to create a memory and to love a little more. Jessi Hooks
Today I will surrender to things I can’t control. Patricia Heitz
Don’t give up. Every day is worth it. Hashmat Effendi
There’s no need to wait for the bad things and b.s. to be over. Change now. Love now. Live now. Don’t wait for people to give you permission to live, because they won’t. Kris Carr
Difficult roads can lead to beautiful destinations. Kia Wynn
Facing cancer forces you to look inward, ask yourself hard questions about life, death, purpose, and gratitude, and it enables a new depth and understanding of how to live life from your heart, following your soul’s purpose. Sally Morgan
There’s always hope beyond what you see. Cora Connor
A cancer diagnosis can be thought of as a turning point to set you free to fulfill or examine your dreams and passions. It is a time to feel infinite strength while being prompted to look inside yourself not only for ways to cope but for secrets to your own happiness. Diana Raab
It’s possible not just to survive, but to thrive and to live a healthy, wonderful life again. Erika Evans
If you can stay strong for your family, you can stay strong for yourself. Dan Barba
Life is 10% what happens to us and 90% how we react to it. Leslie Medley Russell
Keep your faith to God, to your family, and to yourself. There is no other better way to fight cancer when you know that there are lives around you that fight beside you. They help and give you reason to move, translating to your positive view about life. Aaron Simmons
Being positive is the best medicine you can take. Maggie Howard
Appreciate the little things. Feel the flowers, the sky, the breeze, the love of your family. This helped me to enjoy that chapter of my life and face my disease as a door that opened my eyes to a new view of the world. Daniel Carter
Don’t pass up the cherry pie. Eddie Yarmer
I’m stronger than I thought I was. My favorite phrase has been, this too shall pass. I now understand it really well. Robin Roberts
