Being diagnosed with cancer can be life-changing for you, your family and friends. When you are first diagnosed with cancer, your cancer care team will speak with you about your treatment options and what you can expect.
You might need to:
It’s important to take time to think about your next steps and make the choices that are right for you. Your healthcare team can discuss options with you and help you to think about your decisions. The best person to help you may vary at different times, but often it will be a social worker, care co-ordinator, psychologist or specialist nurse.
Being diagnosed with cancer might change how you are feeling. You may feel worried, sad or helpless during this time. It’s important to know that these feelings are normal.
It can help to speak with your family and friends about how you are feeling or talk with a psychologist who specialises in caring for people with cancer. It’s important to know that you do not have to face cancer alone. Your healthcare team will be able to put you in touch with patient support groups, in your area or online, so that you can talk with people in similar situations to your own. You can also get support from the Cancer Council Information and Support hotline by calling 13 11 20 or visiting the Cancer Council online: www.cancer.org.au
Talking to your family and friends about your cancer diagnosis can be hard. Having people close to you who know about your cancer can help to ease your worries or fears. It’s important to know that you don’t have to face cancer alone.
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