Coping With a Cancer Diagnosis
The Emotional Response to a Cancer Diagnosis
New cancer patients often feel fearful and anxious about their diagnosis and impending treatment. Knowledge and support are important in coping with these fears.
Shock, disbelief, anxiety, fear, and even anger -- these emotions are all expressed by those on the receiving end of a cancer diagnosis. It has been reported that at least half of all newly diagnosed cancer patients have significant difficulty in coping with their illness.
Cancer Diagnosis and Your Feelings
Fear and anxiety can be a very real problem when you're dealing with cancer. Just the word "cancer" conjures up mental images of suffering and death for some. Many cancer patients are afraid not only of the disease itself but also of the treatment. Cancer treatment is traditionally associated with painful surgical procedures and other treatments with disturbing side effects. Fear of uncontrolled pain and suffering is also an issue with new cancer patients.
Cancer Diagnosis and Your Family
Fear and anxiety aren't limited just to the cancer patient. A diagnosis of cancer affects the entire family. Caregivers fear losing their loved one. Family members sometimes face an increased risk of being diagnosed with the same kind of cancer. Anxiety related to the stress of an intense treatment regime also affects the whole family. Issues such as employment and finances can also cause a great deal of stress. Expenses related to treatment that are not covered by insurance, such as travel expenses to and from distant treatment centers and lodging for the family can pose a very real problem. A lack of insurance coverage is even more scary.
Coping with Your Cancer Diagnosis
"The best prescription is knowledge." -- C. Everett Koop, MD, former United States Surgeon General.
Knowledge is empowering when facing fear of the unknown. Learning as much as possible about the diagnosis given alleviates feelings of powerlessness and allows patients to feel as though they are taking control of their illness and its treatment. Helpful information can be found:
- At your treatment center
- Here at Suite101.com, and other reputable internet sites
- Your local library
Finding Support
Seeking support is also helpful in coping with the fear and anxiety of a cancer diagnosis. Learning how others with the same diagnosis are coping with their disease and treatment is not only informative, but helps to build comaraderie and friendship among those involved. Sharing your own experiences as well can be cathartic, allowing you to shed some of your fears while sharing your experiences with others. Support groups can be found through your treatment center's social worker, your local newspaper, or on the internet.
Talk to Your Doctor
If the anxiety, fear, or depression that you are feeling is or becomes extreme or interferes with your normal activities, tell your doctor. He or she can prescribe medication to make these symptoms more bearable. Remember -- anxiety, fear and depression are not a sign of personal weakness, but are common in cancer patients.
Sources:
National Pain Foundation
