Emotions and Cancer
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Emotions and Cancer
About this information
This information has been prepared to help you understand more about the emotional impact of cancer.
A cancer diagnosis is often a life-changing event. We hope this information will help you understand the range of reactions that people may have. It suggests ways to adjust to the diagnosis and cope during and after treatment. It also provides information about support services.
We know that a cancer diagnosis affects not only the person with cancer, but also their family and friends. Below we include practical tips for talking about cancer and emotions, and discusses how the people in your life can support you.
On these pages, learn more about:
- The emotional impact of cancer
- What are some of the common reactions people have to receiving a cancer diagnosis?
- What are some of the coping strategies or “tools” you can use to help you cope with a cancer diagnosis and treatment?
- The people in your life
- Life after treatment for cancer
- Where can you find support?
- Caring for someone with cancer
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This information is reviewed by
This information was clinically reviewed in November 2024 by Dr Michael Murphy, Psychiatrist, NSW Health, and Conjoint Senior Lecturer, UNSW, NSW. This information was fully reviewed in November 2021 by the following panel: A/Prof Anne Burke, Co-Director, Psychology and Allied Health Lead, Cancer, Central Adelaide Local Health Network and The University of Adelaide, SA; Hannah Chen, Psychologist, Cancer Council Queensland; Hazel Everett, Clinical Nurse Consultant, Cancer Services, St John of God Subiaco Hospital, WA; Shona Gates, Senior Social Worker, North West Cancer Centre, TAS; Dr Jemma Gilchrist, Senior Clinical Psychologist, Mind My Health and Crown Princess Mary Cancer Centre, Westmead, NSW; Sandra Hodge, Consumer; Dr Michael Murphy Psychiatrist, NSW Health, and Conjoint Senior Lecturer, UNSW, NSW; Caitriona Nienaber, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council WA; Dr Alesha Thai, Medical Oncologist, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, VIC; Alan White, Consumer.