You should decide when you are ready to tell people in your environment about your illness. It is also up to you to choose when you are comfortable talking about your feelings and uncertainties. This can be hard on other family members, who may feel they are being shut out, but it is up to the individual to decide when the time is right for them.

Friends and family will want to help you out at this difficult time, but may not know what to say or do to help. Occasionally, because people do not want to hurt your feelings or upset you more by saying the wrong thing, they may avoid you, or avoid talking directly about your cancer. Reassure people that it is OK to talk about it, and that you value their help and support. Ask them to help you by doing practical things like preparing meals for you, going shopping for you or with you, giving you lifts to hospital appointments and so on. Telling those close to you that you have cancer also affords them the opportunity to express how much they love you, and talking about your feelings can strengthen relationships. Keeping your illness from people, however, can damage trust and cause added strain making relatives and friends feel alienated or powerless to help you.