A cancer diagnosis is difficult to hear and can set off a range of complex emotions. Asking for and accepting help from others is an important part of coping with the stress that cancer can bring. Everybody diagnosed with cancer needs help of some sort. This help may be informal, coming from loved ones, family, and other people in one’s community. It may also be formal, from trained professionals such as social workers, psychologists, or psychiatrists.
There are many ways to seek and receive help. Many people find support through online communities or formal support groups led by social workers in medical settings. Some find it in their church or faith community. The type of support that works best often depends on the individual, including their temperament, personality, mindsets, and beliefs.
The most important message for anyone diagnosed with cancer is that it’s essential to feel connected and to recognize when it is a good time to seek help. Cancer requires organizing feelings, gathering information, and establishing a circle of supporters to navigate a complex journey. It is not simply one more item on a calendar; it demands enormous effort and attention.
While support from friends and family is valuable, there are warning signs that indicate professional help may be needed. Difficulty sleeping, changes in appetite, feeling nervous or jittery, or having trouble organizing thoughts are indicators of high stress or anxiety. Struggling with decisions about treatment or feeling extremely anxious about test results are also signs of emotional distress. Just as clinicians offer relief for physical symptoms like nausea, fatigue, or pain, it is equally important to address mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, and distress during a cancer journey.
Oncologists typically discuss emotional well-being with patients, but anyone who feels they need additional support should not hesitate to reach out to any member of their cancer care team. Patients may choose to talk with their primary care physician, especially if they feel more comfortable starting there, to debrief or ask for referrals to psychologists, social workers, or psychiatrists. Patients can also approach oncology clinicians, infusion nurses, nurse practitioners, or their oncologist directly to request help or a referral. Simple statements such as, “I’m struggling and having a hard time wrapping my head around what’s happening,” or “I find myself unable to sleep at night,” can open the door to the necessary support.
Certain moments may increase anxiety or emotional vulnerability for cancer survivors, including the time of diagnosis, the end of active treatment, scheduled tests or scans, anniversaries related to their experience, or if a recurrence occurs. Seeking professional guidance during these times can help patients and their loved ones cope with the emotional stress. Years of research show that mental health interventions significantly help people manage distress. There are short-term therapies, supportive therapies, and many approaches specifically designed to address cancer-related distress or fear of recurrence, including anxiety before scans, coping with difficult news, and making treatment decisions. These interventions build confidence and emotional resilience during treatment and after completing active therapy.
For more information on coping with cancer, materials are available at Cancer.Net, ASCO’s public website. The “Coping with Cancer” section provides valuable resources on managing emotions, communicating effectively, and finding support.
