Sometimes, however, it is the other way round. You many find that it is your family and friends who are denying your illness. They appear to ignore the fact that you have cancer, perhaps by playing down your anxieties and symptoms or deliberately changing the subject. If this upsets or hurts you because you want them to support you by sharing what you feel, try telling them. Start perhaps by reassuring them that you do know what is happening and that it will help you if you can talk to them about your illness.
Anger can hide other feelings such as fear or sadness.
You may vent your anger on those who are closest to you and on the doctors and nurses who are caring for you. If you have a religious faith you may feel angry with your God. However, relatives and friends may not always realise that your anger is really directed at your illness and not against them. If you can, it may be helpful to tell them this at a time when you are not feeling quite so angry, or if you would find that difficult, perhaps you could show them this section of the booklet. If you are finding it difficult to talk to your family, it may help to discuss the situation with a trained counsellor or psychologist.