9 Tips For Coping With Cancer Diagnosis

• Receiving a cancer diagnosis can change a person’s life, and can be a difficult experience to navigate.

• According to the American Cancer Society, 1.9 million cases of cancer are expected to be diagnosed in the US.

• Despite the uncertainty and anxiety surrounding cancer, there are ways to help cope with the reality of a cancer diagnosis.

Cancer affects many, but it can be difficult to know what to expect after receiving a cancer diagnosis. Cancer is a serious illness that brings up overwhelm, difficult decisions, and disruption to work and leisure activities. 

While being given a cancer diagnosis can feel jarring and bring on feelings of anxiety and uncertainty, there are some coping strategies that can help you navigate the many medical appointments and accompanying emotions. 

1. Become Informed About Your Diagnosis

Hearing the word ​“cancer” can be a rattling experience, especially in relation to yourself or a friend or family member. One intimidating aspect of cancer is the different ways it may show up or the rate at which it can progress.

One way to help cope with your cancer diagnosis is to become informed about the specific type of cancer and stage it’s in. Your primary care physician (PCP) and cancer care team will be willing to answer any questions or concerns you or a family member may have, as they want you to be prepared for cancer care. Learning more about your specific diagnosis can help you navigate and make the best decisions about your treatment options and care.

Some examples of questions to ask during the first few appointments include:

• What type of cancer do I have?
• Where is the cancer located?
• Is my form of cancer treatable?
• How far has it spread?
• What types of treatment options are available for me?
• What side effects come with cancer treatments?
• How much will medical treatments cost?
• What can I expect with this cancer diagnosis?
• What can I do to make this process more manageable?
• If my cancer goes into remission, how can I keep it from returning?

Your PCP and medical specialists will want you to be as informed as possible, so don’t be afraid to ask as many questions as you need. They my also provide tips on the more practical side of cancer treatment, such as how to figure out what insurance covers, factors to consider for the treatment decision making process, and logistics related to treatment and parking fees that you may not have considered.

2. Maintain Your Physical and Mental Health

After receiving a cancer diagnosis, it makes sense to take a closer look at your overall health. The emotional, mental, and physical effects of cancer can make it feel overwhelming to try and focus on your health—but it can work as a potential way to manage your symptoms, as well as provide goals to help you look towards the future. Ways to maintain your health include getting enough sleep, mitigating stress and anxiety, eating a balanced diet, and exercising whenever possible.

• Getting Enough Sleep: getting enough sleep is key to fighting off potential side effects that may be more likely after a cancer diagnosis, including depression and inability to focus/​carry out usual day-to-day tasks. Forming consistent sleep habits, like going to approximately the same time each evening and avoiding caffeine/​alcohol closer to bedtime, can help you sleep better and longer.
• Mitigating Stress and Anxiety: while learning you have cancer can be stressful and anxiety-inducing, taking steps to help ease those feelings can be beneficial to your health. Some ways you may try to alleviate stress or anxious feelings is by distracting yourself with things you enjoy, talking to someone about what you’re feeling, seeking out spiritual support, and concentrating on tasks that are within your control. Another great way to mitigate anxiety is by practicing meditation and breathing strategies.
• Eating a Healthy Diet: while eating healthier may not always feel the easiest after learning you have cancer, it is still beneficial for your mind and body to try and eat a consistent, well-balanced diet as much as possible. Some tips you can try is by asking your doctor for recommendations for your diet (including foods that you should avoid due to medications), eating healthier versions of your favorite meals, or looking into a healthy meal-delivery plan in your area.
• Being Physically Active: while cancer may have some effects on your physical body that may make super intense exercise difficult, there are other ways you can still remain physically active. Keeping your body active can help you maintain some of your strength and keep a healthy weight, both which are vital while fighting cancer. Some ways you could remain physically active include taking regular walks, taking a low-impact workout class, or even participate in activities such as yoga. Talking with your doctor or healthcare team can help you decide what options are best for you.

3. Allow Yourself to be Helped

Discovering you have cancer can bring up a lot of unpleasant emotions, including helplessness and shame. When experiencing these feelings, it can be tempting to act as though you do not need help or assistance, especially if you feel you’re losing your autonomy. However, cancer can take a toll on you physically, mentally, emotionally, and financially, so it’s important to allow others to support you.

Family members and loved ones will want to help you through this difficult experience, so allow them to. Whether they help you physically with taking care of errands or tasks, provide emotional support by listening or being with you during your treatments, or help you make decisions about your care, it will benefit you to have those you love help and support you during this process and make things easier to deal with. Other family members and friends can also help arrange any disability benefits, explore end of life care if necessary, prepare meals, and provide support with household chores. 

4. Find a Support Group

Many organizations bring cancer survivors together. While a loved one or family member will want to support you, it’s beneficial to also connect with other cancer survivors who have gone through or are currently experiencing the same things you are. There are a few different types of support groups you can join and remain involved in during treatment, including in-person, online, and telephone options. 

In-person Support Groups

Usually found in hospitals or community centers, an in-person cancer support group allows cancer patients or survivors to gather. Some support groups may be more generalized and focus on cancer as a whole, while others may be more targeted to specific types of cancer or specific age groups. There may also be cancer support groups tailored towards caregivers, which can be beneficial for loved ones and families. Others may be lead by a religious leader and spiritual adviser, tailored to an individual’s spiritual needs.

Online Support Groups

These cancer support groups are regular meetings that take place on the internet, usually through online message boards, chat rooms, or social media. Cancer patients can connect with others through online resources while learning information and sharing experiences. Some prefer online groups due to the flexibility and access day or night, and it works well for those who live in rural areas without consistent access to in-person options.

It’s important to note that not all cancer support groups are run or sponsored by cancer organizations, so it’s important to check the privacy settings and fact-check any medical information or advice with your healthcare provider.

Telephone Support Groups

These support groups allow a person to call into a phone line shared by other cancer patients, similar to a conference call. While not as popular as in-person or online options, these groups still allow for those across the country to connect and share experiences, and usually are low or no cost. These groups may be preferred for those without access to an in-person group but aren’t fond of internet alternatives.

Some ways you find cancer support groups include the following:

• Talk with your healthcare provider: your health care provider can help to link you with local support group options that are available or can give information about connecting with online or telephone options.

• American Cancer Society: The American Cancer Society has resources that can help connect you with established support groups. You learn more at this link.

• National Cancer Institute (NCI): NCI has a database of cancer support resources, including information about support groups. You can learn more at this link.

5. Communicate and Express Your Feelings

One of the more challenging aspects of coping with becoming a cancer patient is the emotions that often accompany it. Newly diagnosed patients may experience a vast amount of feelings simultaneously. Frustration, sadness, helplessness, anger, irritation, and grief are all common emotions you may experience when learning you’ve been diagnosed with cancer.

As you start to navigate your cancer journey, it may feel difficult to express or communicate what you’re feeling to the entire family, friends, and co workers. Whether it’s because you don’t want to feel the emotions, you’re afraid of being a burden or that a loved one doesn’t have the necessary coping skills, or you simply aren’t sure how to express your feelings, it can be tempting to keep everything inside.

Communicating your feelings honestly and openly to those around you will not only help you process the reality of your cancer diagnosis, but remind friends and yourself that you’re not alone in this experience. It will also allow your loved ones to understand what your wishes, wants, and needs are during this time and may help them feel anxious less often.

Note: For more information on discussing your diagnosis and how to talk about your mental health, visit this source.

6. Make Future Plans For Your Daily Life

Learning you have cancer means there are many different aspects to consider. Treatment options, financial implications, lifestyle changes, and other factors will come into play. Regardless of the type or severity of your cancer, it can be helpful to create plans and set goals related to your cancer journey to help you gain a better sense of what to expect. 

Discuss Caregiving Options

A cancer diagnosis affects not only the person diagnosed but their loved ones and family members as well. In the early stages, it can be beneficial to discuss the possibility of caregiver options moving forward as the cancer progresses.

Some family members or a spouse may opt to serve as a primary caregiver, so it’s important to discuss the realities of what this can look like so both you and potential caregivers can prepare. Your PCP or medical specialist can help talk you through the specifics if it’s possible for you to continue treatments in your home.

Financial Planning

There are many things to think about financially when working through life with a cancer diagnosis. Financial elements can be hard to plan, but sorting things out with your loved ones can be a way to feel on top of the situation without causing more stress down the line.

Some things to consider and discuss can include:

• Employment: in your current job, are you able to continue for the time being despite the diagnosis? If not, are there other job opportunities you can consider?

• Insurance: whether through your employment or another alternative, contacting your insurance provider and determining what medical aspects your plan covers can help give a clearer picture of your financial situation.

• Overall Costs: looking into the costs of medications, treatment, parking fees to attend hospital appointments, and price of medical devices is important information to know moving forward.

7. Take Time to Adjust

Adjusting to a new reality isn’t always easy, but it can be beneficial to figure out what your life looks like now with cancer. However, one important thing to keep in mind is that you don’t have to adjust or have everything figured out overnight—take your time processing and adjusting to the news as much as possible.

Depending on the type and progression of the cancer, many things in your life may have to change. You may have to alter certain lifestyle habits, such as your diet or physical activity. You may have to change your daily routines in order to accommodate treatments. While changes may be necessary you can learn to navigate these areas with the support and trust of your health care team and loved ones.

8. Find Personal Ways To Navigate The Experience

No two people will respond to a cancer diagnosis the same way. While there may be many commonalities and shared experiences, each person’s cancer treatment and coping strategies can vary.

While the reality of cancer is serious, you can still find ways to cope with the diagnosis that helps you navigate the heaviness. Additionally, you may find comfort or peace through means that feel significant and personal to you.

9. Remain Hopeful

Initially, it may be difficult to hold onto hope when diagnosed with cancer. However, many types of cancer can be treated and have the possibility of going into remission, especially if caught early on. Your healthcare provider will be able to help with predictive outcomes regarding your specific diagnosis and can give a better perspective on what recovery may look like for you.

In the midst of uncertainty, while you’re waiting for answers, you can still find ways to remain hopeful and optimistic. While you do not have to downplay the seriousness of your diagnosis, you can still find ways to experience joy, humor, and hope in the process.

Some ways to remain hopeful could include:

• Talking with cancer survivors: connecting with cancer survivors can be a great way to hold onto hope regarding your cancer experience. They may be able to offer insight and advice on how they coped and can give you perspective on what recovery may look like for you.

• Researching: Learning more about your specific type of cancer, various treatment plans, and recovery outcomes can help provide some hope. It’s important to keep in conversation with your healthcare team about your specific condition, but researching the facts and statistics about your cancer diagnosis can be beneficial.

• Share your experiences: whether through support networks and groups or amongst your loved ones, sharing your feelings and hopes can help them feel more tangible, and can feel more comforting than keeping them to yourself.

• Look forward to the future: another way to remain hopeful can be to look forward to the future. Whether this involves seeing a loved one get married, meeting a future grandchild, or simply being able to do things you are restricted from during your cancer treatment, looking forward to these opportunities can provide some hope and excitement and motivate you through your journey.

After a cancer diagnosis, a healthcare provider will most likely want to discuss possible procedures and next steps, with exact treatment recommendations differing depending on what stage the disease is at. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed when discussing treatment options, though there are some communication strategies that can make it easier:

• Ask questions: Don’t be afraid to ask a healthcare provider to review something again or to answer any remaining concerns or points of confusion about treatment options.
• Reflect: Before deciding on a treatment plan, take time to reflect, whether that looks like journaling about how you feel about treatment, consulting a counselor, spiritual leader or social workers about options, or reading about treatments more on websites and in patient education materials.

Consider the logistics: Some cancer treatments can be time-consuming or may come with side effects that impact everyday life. Consider how you may make necessary accommodations, such as asking grown children to help with grocery shopping or hiring a company to help with some caregiving tasks.