What would you do if you were diagnosed with cancer? (8 sentences)

Learning that you have cancer is a difficult experience. After your cancer diagnosis, you may feel anxious, afraid or overwhelmed and wonder how you can cope during the days ahead. Here are 11 suggestions for coping with a cancer diagnosis.

Get the facts about your cancer diagnosis

Try to obtain as much basic, useful information about your cancer diagnosis as you need in order to make decisions about your care.

Write down your questions and concerns beforehand and bring them with you. Consider asking:

What kind of cancer do I have?

Where is the cancer?

Has it spread?

Can my cancer be treated?

What is the chance that my cancer can be cured?

What other tests or procedures do I need?

What are my treatment options?

How will the treatment benefit me?

What can I expect during treatment?

What are the side effects of the treatment?

When should I call the doctor?

What can I do to prevent my cancer from recurring?

How likely are my children or other family members to get cancer?

Consider bringing a family member or friend with you to your first few doctor appointments to help you remember what you hear.