Talking about cancer

Talking to other people about cancer can be one of the most difficult parts of coping with a cancer diagnosis. Telling different people the same news over and over again can be very tiring and stressful. If you just don’t know how to begin or what to say, you’re not alone. It’s common to worry about how other people will react to the news. You may also want to keep many of the details of your diagnosis and treatment private.

There isn’t a right or wrong way to talk about cancer. Who you tell and how you talk about things may be different depending on your relationship with each person.

References

Need more information?

We’re here to help. Tell us what you’re looking for, and an information specialist will email or call you.

500

Name:

Email address:

Phone number:

Postal code:

If you are outside Canada

We can give information about cancer care and support services in Canada only. To find a cancer organization in your country, visit Union for International Cancer Control or International Cancer Information Service Group.