Emotional impacts and changes
Stress, Low mood, Anxiety, Worry, Fear, Tearful, Irritable, Depression, Scanxiety
Experiencing strong emotions when you are first diagnosed with cancer, during or post treatment, is a common and normal response to what can be a confronting and life changing health event. You may experience intense feelings that you have not had to deal with before and you may feel overwhelmed. Experiencing a range of emotions is normal, your responses to your diagnosis are unique, and there is no right way to feel.
Some common emotions people may experience can include feelings of shock, uncertainty, distress, worry, sadness, anger, numbness, or fear. Some people may find that they cry more, feel more frustrated, irritable or stressed.
You may be dealing with multiple losses and changes to the way you live, to the way your body works, and for what you imagined for your future.
Support is available to you. You can either contact our social work department at PAH, or another great support service is the Qld Cancer Council, on 131120.
We've collected our favourite resources for you to read, watch, listen to, download and share to better understand and manage this concern, as well as clinical services if you would prefer to speak to someone about the emotional challenges of cancer treatment.
Emotions and Cancer
CANCER COUNCIL NSW
We recommend this resource because...
This 46 page booklet has been chosen for the range of information it provides on your feelings and other people's reactions around a cancer diagnosis, the suggestions provided for adjusting to the diagnosis and coping strategies during and after treatment. This booklet can be printed or copies sent from the Cancer Council.
Caring for someone with cancer
CANCER COUNCIL NSW
We recommend this resource because...
We would recommend this booklet for people who are looking after someone with cancer and offers practical tips on navigating the experience of cancer whilst balancing the demands of caring, family, work and your own needs.
Your coping toolbox
CANCER COUNCIL VIC
We recommend this resource because...
This resource is a toolbox of coping strategies or "tools" you can use to help you cope with a cancer diagnosis and treatment. This booklet is a great balance of practical suggestions and ways to enhance your general wellbeing during this stressful time.
Managing Fear
CANCER COUNCIL NSW
We recommend this resource because...
Julie McCrossin is a passionate consumer advocate and cancer survivor. She has connected with the Cancer Council NSW to develop a series of podcasts where she interviews Australia experts and people with cancer about their experience. This episode explores why cancer-related fear often differs from other kinds of fear, and how you can manage this fear (42 minutes).
Coping with a cancer diagnosis
CANCER COUNCIL NSW
We recommend this resource because...
Julie McCrossin is a passionate consumer advocate and cancer survivor. She has connected with the Cancer Council NSW to develop a series of podcasts where she interviews Australia experts and people with cancer about their experience. This episode, offers practical suggestions from a psycho-oncologist, on how to ride the emotional roller-coaster that often follows a cancer diagnosis (40 minutes). Can download/subscribe to these free podcasts on your phone to listen at anytime.
Clinical Practice Guidelines Distress Management (2020)
NCCN
We recommend this resource because...
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network® (NCCN®) is a not-for-profit alliance of 30 leading cancer centers devoted to patient care, research, and education. PAH clinicians will often refer to these guidelines to ensure our current practice meets current research. These guidelines are the recognized standard for clinical policy in cancer care and are the most detailed and most frequently updated clinical practice guidelines available in any area of medicine.
Screening, Assessment, and Care of Anxiety and Depressive Symptoms in Adults With Cancer
AMERICAN SOCIETY OF CLINICAL ONCOLOGY
We recommend this resource because...
Although this is an American organisation, our health professionals have found this report to be relevant to the Australian context. American Society of Clinical Oncology report presents practice recommendations aimed at recognising and treating effectively those who present with symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Leukaemia Foundation
For those with Blood Cancer
Emergency support
Lifeline Australia
Social Workers
Social workers work primarily with the social and emotional aspects of cancer. Social Workers offer counselling and interventions including information and referrals (if required) to available community services that may help support navigation through the emotional, social and economic impacts of a cancer diagnosis.
Oncology Nurses
Nurses can provide support and options to assist with feelings of uncertainty, low mood and fear, or any other symptoms you may be experiencing.
Cancer Council’s Support Services
Talk to a health professional who has a background in understanding cancer and how it impacts family’s and friends and the person with cancer.
Mental Health Support
24/7, 7 days a week
Beyond Blue
Beyond Blue provides information and support to help everyone in Australia achieve their best possible mental health.
General Practitioner (GP)
Your GP has many options to help you manage your symptoms and feelings and access support if needed.
