Talking About Cancer

Talking about your cancer can be hard. You may be grappling with deep emotions or trying to digest all the information you've received. Cancer treatments (surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation), diagnostic tests, underlying conditions, emotional fatigue, and other factors can leave you feeling weak, nauseous, or exhausted. You may be afraid that talking about cancer will make you relive what you've gone through so far.

Still, talk to your healthcare provider. Your doctor, nurses, and other professionals can help you manage your symptoms.

Your family may be scared and need reassurance. Your employer needs to know your treatment schedule and your work expectations so accommodations can be made. Your friends want to reach out to you, but they may not know how. Most of all, you may want support from other sources.

The following pages give you tips for starting these important conversations. If you need encouragement or help in doing this, feel free to e-mail our oncology nurses.