Most people struggling with a new cancer diagnosis feel as if this is the worst thing that has ever happened to them. Older adults have often learned some coping skills to help get through the hard times in their lives. But younger people may not have done this. And some people have not had any experience at all with an illness like cancer. If there are children in the family, there are other special issues to address. For more information, please see Helping Children when a Family Member Has Cancer: Dealing with Diagnosis.

When you first find out you have cancer you are bombarded with new information. You might forget that over your many years of life you've developed skills that have helped you along the way. You can use these skills and develop new ones to deal with cancer.

In the first few weeks and months of a cancer diagnosis you will need to make many decisions. You will be learning and understanding the language of cancer and its treatment. You'll need to decide where to be treated, choose a doctor, decide on the best treatment, and learn how to manage treatment side effects. Just as you become an expert on your medical care, it is vital to be in touch with your emotions so that you can help both yourself and your family. Support from family, friends, and the health care team are all critical.

Go back to Helping Children When A Family Member Has Cancer: Understanding Psychosocial Support Services.

Last Medical Review: 05/28/2009
Last Revised: 05/28/2009