Causes of Cancer

Hereditory Factors

Dealing with Diagnosis

Telling Others

Supporting Someone with Cancer

Understanding Your Illness

Self Image

Caring for Yourself

Dealing with Diagnosis

Sometimes you suspect the truth before the diagnosis is made. You may recognise the symptoms or the doctor seems overly
concerned. But it is still a shock when your doctor says that you have cancer.

It is often difficult to take in the diagnosis immediately. You hear it but you don’t believe it. There are many reasons for this shock – the common view of cancer as a serious disease, the fear of treatment and side effects, worrying about being a burden on your family, losing your job.

You may feel angry with family and friends, the doctor and nurses looking after you, or God – if you are religious. Anger is a natural reaction to the interruption that cancer has caused to your life plans. You don’t have to feel guilty about your thoughts or moods.

You may blame yourself for getting cancer. The cause of cancer is usually unknown so there is no reason to feel guilty, although it can be hard to get rid of these feelings.

Everyone reacts to the diagnosis of cancer differently. For most people feelings of anger and guilt last from a few days to several weeks.

Finding Hope...