A cancer diagnosis: What to do next?

“Cancer” may be the most frightening word in medicine. Life changes suddenly and profoundly after a cancer diagnosis. Initial shock gives way to a realisation of the tremendous physical, emotional and spiritual challenges that lie ahead.

Beyond the emotional turmoil that accompanies a cancer diagnosis, patients face a practical necessity: to develop a plan to live with and fight cancer.

A cancer diagnosis is likely to feel overwhelming. However, resources are available to support you every step of the way.

After a cancer diagnosis: time to take control

People often enter a "shock phase" after a cancer diagnosis. This initial reaction is perfectly normal. “However, then, you’ve got to take control of the situation”, says Dave Visel, author of Living With Cancer. Many things will be outside your control, but you should “strive to control the things you can”, he adds.

Here are some important steps you can take to manage your life after a cancer diagnosis:

• Find a partner. “No one should go through a fight against cancer alone”, says Mr Visel. For many people this will be a spouse, family member or close friend. Pick someone you can talk to openly about serious issues. 
• Get organised. Start a notebook or file to record medical appointments, doctors’ phone numbers and the information you collect along the way. Take it with you to each appointment, and keep notes on your test results and treatment options. Start a running list of questions to ask your doctor on your next visit.  
• Get informed. Take steps to learn more about your cancer diagnosis and treatment options, but do so at a pace that is comfortable for you. For some people, a lot of information is exactly what they need; others may not want to deal with too much straight away.   
• Consult only unbiased, trustworthy sources when you do your research. Start with the websites for Cancer Research UK and Cancerbackup/Macmillan Cancer Support.
• Consider a second opinion. Cancer treatment is complicated, and different doctors are likely to have different philosophies and approaches. A second opinion can also help you feel more confident in your treatment plan. 

After a cancer diagnosis: taking a “whole life” approach

A cancer diagnosis touches every area of your life, so your plans for managing after your diagnosis should do so as well.

Take an active role in medical and treatment decisions. Given the complexity of cancer treatment, you may feel you should take a back seat to your doctors, but patients and families can also be vital members of their own “healthcare team”.

Treatment for cancer is highly individual. Your cancer treatment plan will depend on many factors, including the type of cancer you have, its location and stage of development, your current state of health, and your goals for treatment and quality of life.  Seeking a cure regardless of how much discomfort the treatment causes you, or pursuing comfort above all else, both of these are reasonable treatment goals.