Receiving a cancer diagnosis is often unexpected, and like most people, you will probably have many questions. A cancer diagnosis can cause a wide range of emotions like stress, anger or sadness. Sometimes it can be difficult to know what to do next.
These five actions can help you and your family plan your next steps and support you in feeling more in control.
The type of cancer you’ve been diagnosed with will typically determine what happens next, but it is common to feel like you need to consider a lot of information in a short period. You and your family will likely have many questions. You might know very little about cancer, have thoughts that come to you suddenly, or receive advice from well-meaning people that raises more questions. Your healthcare team can help you find the answers, so writing your questions down in a list will help you organise your thoughts, reduce anxiety and ensure you don’t forget important details. You might use a special journal, notebook or the notes app on your phone. Find a method that you can keep with you to capture your questions and thoughts as they come up. Refer to your list when you next meet with your doctor or specialist. Our cancer care guides also have a checklist of questions to ask your doctor, which can be a great starting point if you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure about what you need to know.
If you’re not sure where to start, we’ve put together a comprehensive checklist of questions to ask your doctor after cancer diagnosis; you can download the checklist for free below.
Be more informed and have an active role in your care; download ‘Questions to Ask Your Doctor After Cancer Diagnosis’.
Managing appointments and treatment can make you feel like your life is on hold, and talking about how you feel with someone who has also been through a similar experience can be extremely helpful. Many people benefit from both formal and informal networks of support. Formal networks of support include services available to people who have cancer and their carers, to help them talk about what they are going through and find practical ways to help.
Australia’s exceptional cancer agencies like the Cancer Council or patient advocacy groups, such as Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia, Breast Cancer Network Australia, Bowel Cancer Australia and Rare Cancer Australia, and foundations such as the Lymphoma Foundation, Leukaemia Foundation, and Myeloma Foundation, offer a range of support services. At some locations, Icon offers the support of a cancer care coordinator to guide patients and their families. A cancer care coordinator is a caring, familiar face who will support your clinical treatment, your emotional and psychosocial needs, and provide reinforcement and clarification of information to assist through your decision-making process.
Informal networks might include your family, friends and neighbours. People will want to help you, but sometimes this can feel overwhelming. Ask or accept an offer from someone close to you to coordinate this help. Some families use group messaging apps to coordinate assistance (you might choose to not be part of it) or use one of the many volunteer planning tools, like Gather My Crew, to help coordinate everyone’s help. Practical ways people can help include picking your children up from school, running household errands, providing meals or driving you to treatment. Having someone coordinate offers of help will take some of the decision-making burden from your shoulders.
You might want to learn more about your specific type of cancer or stage. Your specialist can answer questions about your diagnosis and help you explore treatment options suited to your health and situation. You can also talk to your GP or one of the cancer agencies mentioned above. When making an appointment with your doctor, it’s a good idea to bring along a support person who can listen with you and take notes from the conversation. You can book a long consultation, so you don’t feel rushed and ask for written materials from the conversation to refer to later.
Information is available in Icon’s Cancer Information Library and through agencies like the Cancer Council, Cancer Australia and eviQ which will provide you with additional knowledge and help you understand possible treatments and their side effects, benefits, and risks.
A cancer diagnosis and its treatment can affect your physical and mental health. Ask family and friends to help by preparing healthy meals that you enjoy, as proper nutrition can make a big difference in how you feel. When you have the energy, try to stay active, even if it’s just gentle exercise, as it can help manage side effects and improve your mood. Always listen to your body and rest when needed.
Managing stress is important, so find ways to relax that works for you, such as meditation, yoga or spending time with loved ones. Picking up a new hobby can provide a good distraction. Treatment can affect your sexuality, so open communication with your partner is important to navigate these changes together. A diagnosis can be a time to think what is most important to you; some people continue working and maintaining regular commitments, while others prefer to focus on new personal goals. Focusing on yourself and what matters most to you can improve your overall wellbeing and empower you to better manage the challenges of your diagnosis.
Going through a diagnosis and treatment often includes completing many forms, and knowing how to access your Medicare, health history and any health fund information can save you time. Having your legal and financial documents organised and in an easy-to-access place can be a huge help. If you have private health insurance, familiarise yourself with what you are covered for and how to make a claim. You might like to see a lawyer to make legal arrangements or find the right support to manage the financial impact of cancer. The Australian Government has information to help you prepare for advance care planning. An Advanced Care Directive enables you to make some decisions now about the health care you would or would not like to receive if you were to become seriously ill and unable to communicate your preferences or make treatment decisions.
These steps can help you take control of your diagnosis and navigate treatment with more confidence and support. If you have questions about cancer care, or treatment at Icon, we are here to help. You can contact us via phone or email, and we will find the best person to answer your question.
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This free guide provides information and advice to help you prepare for and manager your cancer treatment.
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The content found on the Icon Cancer Centre website is intended solely for informational purposes and should not be considered as medical advice. It is not a substitute for consulting with a qualified medical professional. Our website is designed to provide information and support to the general public. Please be mindful that we do not dispense medical advice, and for personalised medical guidance, we strongly advise you to consult with a qualified medical professional or doctor.