When you are first diagnosed with cancer, you may experience a flood of emotions, such as shock, disbelief, fear, anger, anxiety, depression, loneliness and numbness. Many people feel confused and do not know what to think. The shock of the diagnosis means that people often stop listening to what else the doctor is saying. If you feel that you did not listen properly to what your doctor told you about possible treatment options or any other issues, you should ask for more information, or for the information to be repeated at your next visit. Do not feel embarrassed or foolish to keep asking until you do understand and can digest what you are told. It’s a good idea to make a list of questions for your doctor before your next visit, so you can discuss everything that concerns you. In this case it is recommended that you bring a relative (friend/family) with you to your doctor. See the Questions to ask your doctor section of the site for some suggested questions.

Your healthcare team will give you emotional support and can tell you about organisations and professionals that are specialised in talking to people in your situation, but you will probably want to turn to the people who know you best for support. It can be difficult to know how to tell someone you have cancer, but talking about it can ease anxiety and help you come to terms with the diagnosis.