However, people with cancer have to continue to accept some responsibility in their daily activities. This is a part of living. Be firm but loving. It is easy to make the mistake of being overprotective. Usually, patients want and need understanding, not sympathy, and realistic help, not overindulgence.
Most people are frightened when they learn they have cancer.
They fear the changes associated with having cancer - pain, surgery, loss of income and changes in their personal relationships. They may become suspicious of sudden changes in the attitudes and behavior of those around them, or imagine changes when there are none. Special effort on the part of family and friends may be necessary to understand and reassure them. Sometimes people with cancer believe the disease is a result of something they did or did not do. Family members may also feel guilty and express this by changing the way they act toward the patient.