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The cancer journey

Getting the support and information you need, when you need it

Being told you have cancer can be extremely stressful. You may be overwhelmed with different feelings – anything from anger, shock, confusion to hopelessness. Remember that everyone is different and all feelings are normal.
 
How can I help myself?
  • Find out as much as you can about your cancer, treatment options and their cost – you’ll be able to make more informed decisions about your health and care. Some people want much more information than others.

  • Talk to all the health professionals involved in your care – ask questions, and write down their answers.  It may help to take a family member or friend to your appointments.

  • Build up your support network – family and friends – and tell them how you feel.  Accept any support you need when it’s offered – you don’t have to go it alone. For information on cancer and support services see Cancer? We can help or call Cancer Council Helpline 13 11 20.
Looking after yourself is important too
  • get plenty of rest
  • do some gentle exercise
  • eat nutritious food
  • talk to your workplace about leave of absence
  • look at your finances, including health insurance
  • think about getting help from health professionals like a dietician, physiotherapist, social worker or counsellor.
This page covers the following topics 
 
Dealing with the diagnosis

This is a time of great uncertainty and you’ll probably have many questions like
  • How far has the cancer spread? Do I need other tests?
  • How will it affect my life and relationships?
  • Can I work? How long will I be off work?
  • What treatments are available and how much do they cost?
  • Are there any side effects?
  • Will I be in pain?
  • Can my cancer be cured?
You’ll probably have a number of tests to find out exactly what type of cancer you have, and how far it has spread. They help doctors choose what treatment options are best for you and your type of cancer. Take time to discuss all the options with your health care team, including the side effects of each treatment.
 
Learning more about your cancer and its treatment will help you know what to expect, and may reduce some of your fears. You may not remember much of what the doctor tells you at first, but don’t be afraid to ask questions.
 
Multidisciplinary or team care brings together a group of health professionals with the skills to consider your treatment and care options and develop the most effective and suitable treatment for you. To learn more about the team approach to cancer care please see our booklet on ‘A multidisciplinary team approach to cancer care’.
 
Why do I feel like this?

Sometimes coping with your feelings seems like the hardest part of having cancer.
 
Mood swings are very common – you’re on an emotional roller coaster. People react differently to cancer, and feelings can change day to day.
 
There is no right way to deal with your feelings about cancer. Don’t be ashamed of your feelings – they’re a natural safety valve. The skills you have developed at other stressful times will help you here too.
 
Common reactions to a cancer diagnosis
  • I can beat this.
  • I’m going to find out everything about this.  I don’t want to die.
  • No one else can know how I feel.
  • Maybe it will go away.
  • It can’t be cancer – no one in my family has ever had cancer. I don’t know how to tell my family.
  • What about my job?
  • Why couldn’t it be someone else?
  • I don’t deserve this – I’ve always taken care of myself. 
  • People will treat me differently now.
  • What if I have a lot of pain?
It’s best to talk about it 

People often hide their fears and negative thoughts from others. Having other people know the diagnosis helps you share your anxiety. You don’t have to face it alone.
 
Tips for telling others
  • Break the news when you feel ready and where you feel comfortable.
  • Ask for help – family and friends can tell others too.
  • Be ready for questions – people usually want to know about treatment etc.
  • Make some boundaries – you don’t have to share every detail with everyone.
How do I tell the children? 

Children usually guess that there’s something wrong, even if they don’t know what it is. Sometimes they think it is their fault or imagine the worst.
 
Talk to them in language that they can understand. What to tell children depends on their ages. Give them simple explanations and build up a fuller picture for older children.
 

Sharing feelings

It can be difficult talking about your feelings. But many people find that it helps them cope with everything that is happening.  It’s OK to want to be alone sometimes too. Sometimes it’s easier to talk with someone outside your close family and friends.

Other people you know might find it hard to share their feelings too.
 
Find out more

Go to our Online library - Care and support section   
   Read When you're diagnosed with cancer
            About cancer            
          Emotions and cancer 
            Questions you might like to ask your doctor 
from the National Breast and Ovarian Cancer Centre 
 
If you would like to talk to someone about your cancer journey, call Cancer Council Helpline on 13 11 20.


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