Coping Strategies for Cancer Patients

Overview

When you're diagnosed with cancer, you may feel as if your whole world has fallen apart. You're likely to be overwhelmed with emotions or emotionally numb, unable to process all the feelings. You've got to be able to stay emotionally and physically strong to battle cancer and to make it through the stress of cancer treatment. Coping with cancer can be difficult, but you can find ways to help you deal with the diagnosis.

Step 1

Take care of your physical health. Even though you may not feel like it, keep up---or start---a healthy lifestyle. Exercise as much as you can, even if it's just a short walk each day. Give your body the nutrients it needs to stay strong and healthy and to stand up against the rigors of cancer treatment.

Step 2

Take care of your emotional health. This may be one of the most emotionally trying times of your life, so don't neglect your emotional health. Find ways to manage stress, such as a yoga class or dance class, as well as relaxation techniques and meditation. Keep a journal to jot down your feelings. Speak with a therapist, or join a support group for people with cancer.

Step 3

Lean on friends and family. You need the help, support and encouragement of loved ones more than ever. Whether you need someone to accompany you to a doctor's office, sit with you through chemotherapy or cook meals, reach out to your friends and family. You may need a friend or loved one to just listen while you talk about your fears and concerns.

Step 4

Be prepared for whatever lies ahead. Depending on your prognosis, you're probably in for a long road of treatments. Whether it's chemotherapy, surgery or a combination of therapies, get a good understanding of what the treatment entails, including the side effects, recovery and prognosis.

Step 5

Be realistic, but don't dwell on the negative. Cancer is a serious disease, and the prognosis depends on factors such as what kind of cancer you have and what stage it's in. Prepare yourself for the worst, and start thinking about legal documents like a power of attorney, a will, a living will and a do-not-resuscitate order.

Step 6

Make a decision about how you want to proceed. Consider the prognosis of your cancer, and weigh the benefits and risks of the treatment options. Treatments often have significant side effects and may affect your quality of life. Decide if your best strategy is to try to beat the cancer, or to maintain a good quality of life for as long as possible.