Often, finding out about your cancer diagnosis or going through treatment can be overwhelming for you, as well as your family and friends. We need support from others. A cancer diagnosis affects people other than you in many ways.

Sometimes loved ones have fears or concerns that they may not be expressing to you, or maybe you have feelings that you are not sharing with them. Other times, you do share your feelings, but they just don’t seem to understand. Sometimes they might not know what to say, or they might be afraid of saying the wrong thing. Some of your family will find it easy to talk to you, but others can become too careful or act like nothing is wrong. Cancer changes the lives of each person in a relationship, and both require support.

Talking about cancer is challenging. If you have trouble talking with your partner, ask someone else to help. This might be your doctor or another member of your health care team, a friend or another family member. You may be interested in support groups for couples. You can find out about these from your health care team. Listening to and talking to others who are also going through this experience can be very helpful. You can discuss anything from the most general topics (like nutrition) to the most personal topics (like sex).

Sometimes, telling those who are closest to you helps you take in the reality of what’s happening. Some cancer patients find that by talking to others, they begin to solve problems and think about the future in a more positive way.

Finding support from others will not only help you—it could also help your partner.

Sources:

American Society of Clinical Oncology, 2022. Talking With Your Spouse or Partner About Cancer.

Susan G. Komen, 2021. Talking with Your Partner.