Important Records Cancer Survivors Should Keep

Where can I find out more about keeping survivor records?
For more information about keeping records important, including suggestions for taking action and a list of resources, visit the Lance Armstrong Foundation.

Why is knowing about keeping survivor records important to being affected by cancer?
As a survivor, you may have a lot of paperwork in your life. You might think that keeping and organizing this information is too time consuming or even unnecessary. Yet, having copies of important documents such as employment records, insurance policies, medical reports, receipts, invoices, tax records and financial statements will probably be of great benefit to you.

For example, some of this information is required at tax time, and it is also likely to be needed during the process of applying for medical benefits. In addition, these records can also help you to keep track of your medical progress.

What do I need to know about keeping survivor records?
Although you might not welcome the idea of dealing with paperwork and record keeping, keep in mind that you do not have to do everything all at once. If you do not feel well enough to find and organize your records by yourself right now, ask someone you trust to help you. In the end, the planning and organizing that will go into your record keeping process will make life easier for you and your loved ones.

A review of the records you already have is a good starting place. You will most likely want to get copies of the documents you do not have. That way, you or a trusted family member or friend will be able to quickly access the information that is needed, especially in case of an emergency.

Records that are likely to be important to survivors include:
• Employment benefit records
• Insurance policies
• MIB reports
• Social Security benefit records
• Health records
• Credit reports
• Personal financial records
• Advance care directives
• Will and living trust
• Other important documents

What steps should I take to address keeping survivor records?
Making the effort to collect important records and information now can actually save you a lot of time, stress and even expense in the future. If this task seems overwhelming, you may want to ask trusted people in your life to help you get what you need. Organized records will help you or others to quickly locate the information when it is needed.