Receiving a cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming and change your world in an instant. It can evoke a range of emotions, including shock, disbelief, anger, fear and anxiety. One of the pressing questions that arises is: How will I tell my loved ones?
Acknowledging your feelings
Wondering how this could happen to you is a normal reaction. The first step is to take time to process your feelings and allow them to settle. Dr. Ryan Perkins, a Radiation Oncologist at the Ackerman Cancer Center, emphasized the importance of support during this challenging time.
“It can enhance emotional resilience, reduce feelings of isolation and contribute positively to a patient’s overall well-being,” Perkins said.
Preparing to share the news
When you’re ready to share your diagnosis, it’s essential to do so in a way that feels right for you. Consider the following steps:
- Make a list: Identify the people you want to inform in person. You might also create a separate list of friends you socialize with less frequently. Consider asking a close family member or friend to help deliver the news to the people on the second list.
- Be open about your feelings: When sharing your diagnosis, it’s healthy to express the emotions that accompany it. Sharing your reality with those closest to you can help you process your situation.
“It is crucial to be intentional when discussing a cancer diagnosis with loved ones,” Perkins said. “I’ve seen how Ackerman Cancer Center patients’ mental and emotional well-being can be deeply affected by how they communicate their diagnosis.”
Effective communication strategies
Perkins advised to be thoughtful and intentional during these conversations. Clear and compassionate communication can help you absorb your new reality and encourage problem-solving as friends and family ask questions.
“It allows patients to set the tone for how they wish to approach their treatment journey, inviting support and understanding from those they trust,” he said. “It helps patients and loved ones learn to communicate better, with the understanding that it won’t be perfect, and patience is required as they learn together.”
Talking to children
If you have children, delivering the news can feel even more daunting. Discussing a cancer diagnosis with children requires extra sensitivity and careful consideration of their age, maturity level and emotional resilience.
“I always recommend patients provide simple, honest explanations that are age-appropriate, avoiding overwhelming details while ensuring the child feels safe and reassured,” Perkins said. “It’s essential to emphasize that the child’s feelings and questions are valid, and providing ongoing emotional support can make a significant difference in how they process the news.”
He said to pay attention to nonverbal cues during the discussion as this is also important.
The role of support
For patients undergoing treatment, practical support from family and friends -- such as transportation to appointments or assistance with daily activities -- can ease the burden of treatment.
“Emotional support is just as vital, providing comfort, encouragement and strength throughout the treatment journey,” Perkins said. “The cancer experience is a shared journey between patients and their families, and both can grow closer with mutual support.”
The value of support programs
Whether through counseling, support groups or educational resources, support programs play an invaluable role in helping cancer patients and their families navigate the emotional, psychological and practical challenges of a cancer diagnosis.
“They offer a safe space for patients to share their experiences, learn from others and develop coping strategies,” Perkins said.
For families, these programs can provide guidance on how to best support their loved one, which enhances the care network that is so critical to a patient’s well-being.
“Remember, not all patients want to share their experience with ‘strangers’ in support groups and may not want to attend, so don’t push them into uncomfortable situations.”
Ackerman Cancer Center has several support programs, virtual and in person, that function in different ways for various needs. Access these programs by clicking or tapping here.
The Ackerman Cancer Center also provides patient resources with access to up-to-date information about cancer prevention, screening, diagnosis and treatment.
To learn more about advanced cancer treatment, including Proton Therapy, at Ackerman Cancer Center, click or tap here.