Coping with a Cancer Diagnosis

A cancer diagosis is a life change event. It can make you feel so many different things: worry, anger, sadness, strength, hope, fear, nervousness, doubt, and guilt. These emotions and feelings are normal and to be expected at various points in your cancer experience. 

Coping is defined as the ability to "successfully deal with a difficult situation." You will have good days and bad days, but successful coping with your diagnosis and treatment plan can help you adjust to life with and after cancer.

Your cancer diagnosis and treatment plan is unique, so are your reactions and ways of coping. It's important to give yourself (and your family) permission to feel and experience these emotions, to talk about them, work through them, and get help if and when you need it. Remember that it is OK to feel distressed, depressed, anxious, sad, worried, nervous, happy, relieved, hopeful, and any other emotion.

Coping tips and tricks:

• Get informed: learn about your diagnosis, treatment, potential side effects, and interventions available to help you through treatment. Knowledge is power; don't be afraid to ask questions and do your research. At the same time, know your limits for information. It is OK to tell a friend or family member that you don't need any more information.
• Stay active: light exercise is very helpful in relieving stress. You don't have to run a 5k or go to a 60-minute spin class. Even a short walk around the neighborhood can be energizing. Listen to our webinar on exercise during cancer treatment for helpful tips.
• Avoid social isolation: While you may not feel like entertaining company every day, you can remain connected with social supports even if it's through a phone call, a text, Facebook, a blog post, or an email. Talk with friends and family who care about you and are available to listen, hold your hand, cry with you, and laugh with you. It's also OK to embrace alone time but find balance.
• Consider integrative methods: things like yoga, art therapy, music therapy, spiritual support, reiki, meditation, and relaxation techniques and help relieve some of your distress and connect with your mind and body.
• Get connected with others: There is strength in numbers. Connect with another patient or family member through a peer support matching program. Talking with another person who has "walked in your shoes," can be reassuring and counter the sense that you are going through this alone. Or, participate in a support group through your treatment center, local cancer support services agency, or online.
• Communicate with your medical team: Let your team know if you are having a hard time coping with your diagnosis and treatment.
• Talk with a therapist: Therapists can help you cope with the range of emotions you may be experiencing as part of having cancer. Finding a therapist can take some work, but having that safe, supportive person is worth it. Your insurance shouldn't be a barrier to getting mental health support. A social worker or navigator can help you learn about your mental health benefits and identify practitioners who are within your insurance company's provider network. Remember that employer-based resources (employee assistance programs) may also be available.