Cancer is a disease that
affects family members and loved ones as well as the one diagnosed. Coping with
the news that someone close to you has cancer can be stressful and emotional,
but you don’t have to do it alone. Each person may deal with diagnosis
differently, but there are resources that you can look to help guide you and
your family through this difficult time.
“How a family handles cancer
depends a lot on how the family has dealt with problems in the past. Those who
are used to communicating openly and sharing feelings are usually able to talk
about how cancer is affecting them. Families who solve their problems as
individuals instead of a team might have more trouble coping with cancer.
Cancer treatment includes care
for the patient and the family, not just the cancer. A mental health professional
may already be a part of the cancer care team. If not, talk with the doctor or
nurse to learn about other resources that can help you and your family cope
with cancer.
People with cancer often say
that lack of communication in their families is a problem. Changes in
responsibilities can cause resentment and anxiety. Some family members may not
feel comfortable openly discussing their feelings. Other family members may
avoid the person with cancer because they feel as if they have nothing to offer,
don’t know how to act, or feel they can’t do anything to help make the
situation better. These factors can all make families more distant at a time
when they need to pull together. Many families need help with this. Through
family counseling, members can learn to deal with changes within the family and
discuss their feelings more comfortably.”
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