Partners, family members and friends often experience similar feelings and frequently need as much support and guidance in coping with their feelings as you do. This is often the immediate reaction when cancer is diagnosed. You may feel numb, unable to believe what is happening or to express any emotion. This need for repetition is a common reaction to shock. Some people may find their feelings of disbelief make it difficult for them to talk about their illness with their family and friends.
Cancer is a frightening word surrounded by fears and myths.
In fact, nowadays many cancers are curable if caught at an early enough stage. When a cancer is not completely curable, modern treatments often mean that the disease can be controlled for years and many patients can live an almost normal life. Many people feel they need to sort out their affairs when they have been diagnosed with cancer, or any other potentially life-threatening illness. Doing so can take away some of that uncertainty, and reassure them what whatever happens their family will be looked after. In fact, many people with cancer feel no pain at all.