Psychological Support for Cancer Patients

Many people feel numb, or can’t take the news in at first. It’s a normal way of coping with big news.

What helps

Take it one step at a time. Write down your questions, take someone with you to appointments, and ask your doctor to explain anything you don’t understand.

Talk to us if you still feel numb or unable to take things in after 2 weeks, or it’s hard to decide about treatment.

Worry is common before tests, while waiting for results and during treatment. It can bring a racing heart, poor sleep or trouble concentrating.

What helps

Try slow breathing: breathe in gently, then breathe out slowly for a few minutes. Get the facts from your team rather than stories, and keep doing small things you enjoy, such as music or a short walk.

Talk to us if worry stops you sleeping, eating or getting through the day, or it’s there most days for more than 2 weeks. Tell your doctor about a racing heart or other body changes too, as treatment can cause them.

Feeling sad about the changes cancer brings is common, and it can come even after treatment ends.

What helps

Let yourself have sad days. Keep a simple daily routine, get some daylight and gentle activity, and tell someone close how you really feel.

Talk to us if you feel low or lose interest in things most days for more than 2 weeks, or you feel hopeless. If you ever think about harming yourself, call 1800 202 8726 now.

It’s normal to ask “Why me?” and to feel angry, even with the people you love.

What helps

You don’t have to pretend everything is okay. Anger often hides fear or feeling helpless, so try to name it and talk it through. A walk or some quiet time can help it pass.

Talk to us if anger stays with you most days for more than 2 weeks, or it’s hurting your relationships.

Many people worry about this after treatment, especially around check-ups and scans.

What helps

Focus on what you can control: keep your follow-ups, keep a routine and make plans. Ask your team which changes to report, rather than worrying about every ache alone.

Talk to us if the fear fills most of your days, or stops you planning ahead, for more than 2 weeks.

You can feel alone even with family around, and after treatment ends, when the visits stop.

What helps

Tell one person you trust how you really feel. Let friends know what would help, such as a call or a visit, and make time for people or your faith community if that helps you.

Talk to us if you feel cut off from everyone most days for more than 2 weeks.

Many people feel guilty: about worrying their family, being a burden, missing work, the cost of care, or habits they think caused the cancer.

What helps

Blaming yourself doesn’t help, and your thoughts and feelings didn’t cause your cancer. Let people help you, as it often helps them too, and focus on today rather than on what you could have done.

Talk to us if guilt or feeling like a burden weighs on you most days, or lasts more than 2 weeks. If you ever think about harming yourself, call 1800 202 8726 now.

Hair loss, scars, weight changes or a stoma can change how you feel about your body, about being seen, or about being close to your partner.

What helps

Give yourself time to adjust. Talk to your partner or someone close about how you feel, and try new ways to feel like yourself, such as a scarf, a new hairstyle or clothes that feel comfortable.

Talk to us if you avoid going out or seeing people because of how you look, for more than 2 weeks.