After a cancer diagnosis, patients must decide who they will share their diagnosis with and how to hold that conversation. Although some people wish to keep their lives more private than others, oftentimes, it’s better to share your diagnosis with a few loved ones as a way to grow your support system during your cancer journey. Here are some tips on how to tell your family you have cancer and how to make the decisions about what information to share.
Coping with Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment
After you’re diagnosed with cancer, you may be experiencing a variety of emotions. The most important thing to remember is to take it one step at a time. Here are some of the first things to do after you are diagnosed:
- Find an experienced, caring doctor and cancer care team
- Understand what will happen during your first appointment and what to bring
- Research more information about your type of cancer
- Explore our patient resources, including our financial assistance options
- Strengthen your support system
How to Tell Your Family You Have Cancer
Strengthening your support system is an important step when beginning your cancer journey. It helps to have people on your side to talk to, confide in, and bring with you to important doctor visits. Here are some tips to remember when you’re making the decision to tell your family members about your cancer diagnosis.
Preparing yourself to share the news
Before you tell anyone about your cancer diagnosis, it’s important to first understand how you feel about it and how you would like your loved ones to treat you. As the cancer patient, you get to decide when you want to talk about your cancer diagnosis, as well as with whom you’re going to share that information. Don’t feel forced to talk about it before you’re ready or discuss it with people you’d prefer not to confide in.
Start by making a list of the people you want to talk to in person on your own first. Many cancer patients start with a partner or spouse, then tell family members and close friends. If you don’t want to tell the news about your cancer diagnosis yourself, ask a trusted loved one to share the information with other family members and friends whom you’d like to notify. Then, decide whether or not you want to tell your co-workers. Many people just choose to notify the necessary people at work, like a supervisor or human resources representative who would need to know about an outstanding medical condition.
Talking to your loved ones about your cancer diagnosis
Some cancer patients are more comfortable sharing details about their treatment than others. Find the right amount of communication in which you are comfortable. You do not have to open up to everyone, and you can choose which details to share.
Next, understand any triggering words that could come up in conversation. These could be any topics that are too sensitive to talk about and could upset you if someone brings them up. If someone has a strong opinion on your choice of treatment or makes an insensitive comment, plan a response in advance. Find out a way to politely and respectfully end the conversation or change the subject to a more comfortable one.
Last, accept help when it’s offered. Many friends and family members of cancer patients want to offer their help wherever needed. Be specific about some things you may need help with, like housecleaning, babysitting, cooking, a ride to the doctor’s office, or any other tasks you may be too tired to do yourself. It’s okay to ask for help every now and then.
Here are some last things to remember when talking to your family and friends about your treatment:
- Keep your trusted loved ones in the loop. They may need your love and support as well, so don’t ignore them if they’d like to check in with you and see how everything is going.
- Don’t ignore your own need to talk to someone—try not to isolate yourself. Sometimes opening up and talking to a loved one can help you cope with your cancer diagnosis.
- Be genuine about how you feel. You shouldn’t pretend to put on a happy face if you don’t feel well. Be honest about how you feel, and people can offer their help and support. If you don’t feel comfortable opening up to your loved ones, consider attending a support group with other cancer patients who may fully understand what you’re going through.
Cancer Treatment, Support, and More
The Nevada cancer specialists at Comprehensive Cancer Centers are dedicated to offering our patients the utmost care and the latest, most advanced treatments available. We’re also dedicated to supporting our patients and their families in any way they need during their cancer journey. Contact us at 702-952-3350 or visit us online to learn more.