Cancer affects your feelings too
Cancer does not only affect your body.
It can also affect your feelings, thoughts, and how you cope day to day.
Thinking about your wellbeing before, during and after treatment can help you feel more prepared and more able to cope.
Common feelings you may have
Many people feel lots of emotions after being told they have cancer.
You may feel:
- Shock or numbness
- Worry or fear
- Sad or tearful
- Angry or frustrated
- Tired, or unable to sleep
- Trouble focusing or thinking clearly
These feelings are normal.
They may come and go during different stages of your cancer journey.
If you want to read more, you can visit Macmillan’s page on emotions:
https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/treatment/coping-with-treatment/cancer-and-your-emotions
Coping with uncertainty
Waiting for tests, results, and plans can feel very hard.
Not knowing what comes next can make anyone feel worried.
Here are things that can help:
- Remember it’s normal to find waiting difficult
- Focus on today, one day at a time
- Try calming activities like slow breathing, music, walking, or talking to someone
- Ask who you can contact if you have questions
- Be kind to yourself — you are doing your best
When treatment starts, things can sometimes move quickly.
This can feel confusing.
It is okay to ask questions or ask for information again.
Many people also find the end of treatment difficult, when appointments become less frequent.
This is normal.
Planning ahead and knowing who to contact can help.
Helping you feel more in control
Focusing on what you can control can help you cope.
You may want to try:
- Learning about your diagnosis from trusted sources
- Asking your healthcare team if you’re unsure about anything
- Writing down questions before appointments
- Setting small goals, like gentle activity or simple routines
- Thinking about what has helped you cope in the past
Feeling involved and informed can help you feel calmer and more confident.
Managing stress
Stress is common during cancer treatment.
There are things you can do that may help:
- Talk to family, friends, or your healthcare team
- Try relaxation or breathing exercises
- Do activities that help you stay in the moment, like hobbies or mindfulness
- Move your body — exercise can help your mood
- Keep a routine when you can
These things may help you feel more settled, even when things are hard.
You can find more ideas here:
https://mywellbeingspacenca.nhs.uk/online-resources/prehabilitation/
When to reach out for extra support
Most people find their feelings change and settle over time.
But sometimes emotions can stay very strong.
Please speak to your healthcare team if:
- Difficult feelings last longer than six weeks
- Emotions start getting worse
- Feelings are getting in the way of daily life
- You feel alone or unable to cope
Help is available.
This may include talking therapies, psychological support, or community services.
Asking for help is a strength, not a weakness.
If you already get mental health support
If you already have a mental health team, let them know about your cancer diagnosis.
This helps them support you during this time.
Your cancer team and mental health team can work together if needed.
If you are worried about your safety
If you ever feel at immediate risk, or worried you cannot keep yourself safe:
- Contact your GP
- Call NHS 111
- Call 999 in an emergency
If you have a crisis number or plan, please use it.
Your healthcare team can also help you know who to contact in urgent situations.
Other places that can help
- SHOUT – text ‘shout’ to 85258
- Maggie’s – based at Freeman Hospital and James Cook, or online Maggie’s | Everyone’s home of cancer care
