Learning that you have cancer is a difficult experience.
Here are 11 suggestions for coping with a cancer diagnosis.
Write down your questions and concerns beforehand and bring them with you.
You might also want to consider how much you want to know about your cancer.
Some people want all the facts and details, so they can be very involved in the decision-making process.
Others prefer to learn the basics and leave details and decisions to their doctors.
Think about which approach works best for you.
Let your health care team know what you’d prefer.
Maintain honest, two-way communication with your loved ones, doctors and others after your cancer diagnosis.
If you and others express emotions honestly, you’re able to all gain strength from each other.
Nowafter your cancer diagnosis and before you begin treatmentis the best time to plan for changes.
Prepare yourself now so that you’ll be better able to cope later.
Ask your doctor what changes you should anticipate.
Insurance often helps pay for wigs, prostheses and other adaptive devices.
Also consider how treatment will impact your daily activities.
Ask your doctor whether you’ve got the option to expect to continue your normal routine.
You may need to spend time in the hospital or have frequent medical appointments.
If your treatment will require a leave of absence from your normal duties, make arrangements for this.
This can improve your energy level.
Exercise and participating in enjoyable activities also may help.
Often friends and family can run errands, provide transportation, prepare meals and help you with household chores.
Learn to accept their help.
Accepting help gives those who care about you a sense of making a contribution at a difficult time.
Also encourage your family to accept help if it’s needed.
A cancer diagnosis affects the entire family and adds stress, especially to the primary caregivers.
Accepting help with meals or chores from neighbors or friends can go a long way in preventing caregiver burnout.
Determine what’s really important in your life.
Find time for the activities that are most important to you and give you the most meaning.
If needed, venture to find a new openness with loved ones.
Share your thoughts and feelings with them.
Cancer affects all of your relationships.
Communication can help reduce the anxiety and fear that cancer can cause.
Maintain your normal lifestyle, but be open to modifying it as necessary.
Take one day at a time.
It’s easy to overlook this simple strategy during stressful times.
When the future is uncertain, organizing and planning may suddenly seem overwhelming.
Many unexpected financial burdens can arise as a result of a cancer diagnosis.
Your treatment may require time away from work or an extended time away from home.
Consider the additional costs of medications, medical devices, traveling for treatment and parking fees at the hospital.
Many clinics and hospitals keep lists of resources to help you financially during and after your cancer treatment.
Talk with your health care team about your options.
It may help to talk to people who have been in your situation.
You may have a friend or family member who has had cancer.
Or you’re free to connect with other cancer survivors through support groups.
Ask your doctor about support groups in your area or contact your local chapter of the American Cancer Society.
Online message boards also bring cancer survivors together.
Start with the American Cancer Society’s Cancer Survivors connection.
Some old stigmas associated with cancer still exist.
Your friends may wonder if your cancer is contagious.
Many people will have questions and concerns.
Determine how you’ll deal with others' behaviors toward you.
By and large, others will take their cues from you.
Just as each person’s cancer treatment is individualized, so is the coping strategy.
Turn to these comforts now, but also be open to trying new coping strategies.
Updated: 9/19/2020
Publication Date: 1/1/1999
