Many women find the support of their families and friends a great help, but others find it hard to accept support from family members because they need to conceal their own anxiety. Women are used to providing support, and they do not wish to worry others. Women who are finding it difficult to accept support should seek help. Many women benefit from appropriate counselling. It may lead to better coping mechanisms and less helplessness, anxiety, fatalism or psychological problems.
Many hospitals have access to staff who specialise in counselling women with breast cancer.
If you wish, you could ask to see the counsellor or ask the counsellor to come to see the doctor with you. Women who call this number are put in contact with a counsellor at their local cancer service. Apart from counselling, many other forms of support may be available. These women have the advantage of talking from personal experience. Many women find support groups and talking to women who have or have had breast cancer useful sources of information and support.