Coping – Feelings and Cancer

National Cancer Institute

Dealing with the different side effects and life changes of cancer treatment can be hard on you emotionally as well as physically. Just as cancer affects your physical health, it can bring up a wide range of feelings you’re not used to dealing with. It can also make many feelings seem more intense. They may change daily, hourly, or even minute to minute. This is true whether you’re currently in treatment, done with treatment, or a friend or family member. These feelings are all normal.

Often the values you grew up with affect how you think about and deal with cancer. For example some people:

• Feel they have to be strong and protect their friends and families
• Seek support and turn to loved ones or other cancer survivors
• Ask for help from counselors or other professionals
• Turn to their faith to help them cope

Whatever you decide, it's important to do what's right for you and not to compare yourself with others. Your friends and family members may share some of the same feelings. If you feel comfortable, share this information with them.

On This Page

• Overwhelmed
• Denial
• Anger
• Fear and Worry
• Hope
• Stress and Anxiety
• Sadness and Depression
• Guilt
• Loneliness
• Gratitude
• Other Ways to Cope with Your Emotions