A cancer diagnosis is life changing, but it doesn’t have to take over. Social workers are able to provide support and connect patients to programs and resources that help deal with facing cancer. The IU Health Simon Cancer Center offers support through social work, spiritual and psychological care, complementary therapies and more. Read on to find answers to common questions from patients with a new cancer diagnosis.
What are some tips on sharing a new diagnosis with friends and family?
Only the patient can decide when the time is right to tell others about their diagnosis and how much information they wish to disclose. Telling those close to you can help take in the reality of the diagnosis, as well as ease the burden. There are websites designed to help keep others informed in your care without the stress of having to repeat information, which a lot of patients find to be helpful.
It is also helpful for patients to consider topics that might be triggers or too sensitive to talk about and plan responses to these questions. An example would be someone questioning medical decisions or religious views related to cancer. Having open and honest communication can be very beneficial.
Some days, it’s nice to focus on things other than the disease. How can this be explained to concerned friends and family?
The patient can be upfront about when they do and do not want to speak about their cancer. It’s important to participate in normal activities with friends and family. Laughing and talking about things other than cancer can be a nice distraction. Viewing “the cancer patient” as the same person that family and friends have always known will help retain a sense of normalcy.
A cancer diagnosis adds stress and can affect what we find enjoyable. What are some ways to reduce stress and enjoy the moment?
Having distress is a common symptom of a cancer diagnosis. Trying to keep life as normal as possible during the cancer journey can be beneficial in still being able to enjoy life and reduce stress. Patients may develop a new support network or new ways of coping with stress during the disease process. This can also be a time to develop new interests or hobbies.
Friends and family are offering to help, but that can be overwhelming. How is this best handled?
Be specific about what the needs are. Sometimes having a designated spokesperson can be helpful for the patient to not become overwhelmed. Setting up a calendar can also be helpful and keep things organized. Encourage friends and family to visit only when the patient is feeling well.
What other tips do you have for cancer survivors?
Learning to live with uncertainty and only controlling what you can is a major part of survivorship. Being involved in your health care, getting back to your normal life and making changes in your lifestyle are among the things you can control.
It’s good to work toward having a positive attitude, which can help you feel better about life now. Remember you don’t have to act “positive” all the time. Don’t beat yourself up or let others make you feel guilty when you’re feeling sad, angry, anxious or distressed. These feelings are a normal part of survivorship. Give yourself, your family and those around you time.
What are some of the support services offered to patients and families at IU Health?
IU Health offers a variety of support services to patients and families all free of charge.
The Complete Life Center offers appearance consultations, art therapy, creative expression, massage therapy, music therapy, narrative therapy, support groups and yoga.
The Cancer Resource Center offers education, wig bank and fitting, transportation assistance, clinical trial matching and community resources.
First Mondays Support Group Program has groups on art and wellbeing, brain tumors, caregivers support, children of parents with cancer, coping with chronic lymphocytic leukemia and slow-growing lymphoma, coping with multiple myeloma, living with cancer and bereavement.
Melissa Renbarger, MSW, LSW, is a social worker at IU Health Simon Cancer Center.
