Psychosocial | News

Why You Should Use Inclusive Language When Talking About Cancer

January 18th 2022

By Tamera Anderson-Hanna

A survivor of breast cancer explains what she has learned about inclusive language and how it can empower patients who have been diagnosed with cancer on their healing journey.

A Serendipitous Friendship: How My Daughter’s Chemo Nurse Became Her Best Friend After Cancer Treatment

January 8th 2022

By Debbie Legault

A mother describes how her daughter formed an unlikely friendship with one of her chemo nurses after her treatment ended.

Digital App May Help Relieve Stress, Depression, Fatigue in Cancer Survivors

January 7th 2022

By Colleen Moretti

Cancer survivors may experience psychological side effects of cancer and can benefit from stress management interventions, although these in-person services are often limited.

Things You Should Not Say to a Cancer Survivor

December 29th 2021

By Jane Biehl Ph.D.

A cancer survivor discusses the hurtful words people say to cancer survivors and why they sting.

3 Rules a Cancer Survivor Has Made to Collaborate With Anxiety in 2022

December 25th 2021

By Dana Stewart

A breast cancer survivor describes how exhausting it is to live in constant fear of cancer and how she plans to combat it in 2022.

Advanced Care Planning May Increase Hope in Patients With Advanced Cancer

December 21st 2021

By Colleen Moretti

An end-of-life conversation may increase hope in patients with cancer, however many patients may be getting it from oncologists when it’s a “too little too late,” an expert said.

Advanced NSCLC Survival May Be Impacted by Depression and Anxiety, Highlighting the Need for Mental Health Care

December 20th 2021

By Darlene Dobkowski, MA

As treatments for NSCLC improve survival, this benefit may be affected by depression and anxiety, which is common in patients with the disease and may require patients to advocate for cognitive behavioral therapy among other approaches.

Cancer Centers Should Adopt the Reality That Cancer Has No Gender, Expert Says

December 14th 2021

By Brielle Benyon

Dr. Don S. Dizon discusses how cancer centers can be more inclusive to the LGBTQ+ community, from the naming of the institutions to the types of magazines found in the waiting rooms.

Holiday Traditions May Change After a Loved One Dies From Cancer, But The Memories Remain

December 13th 2021

By Robin Zimmerman

A cancer survivor explains how his holiday traditions changed after his wife was sick with and eventually died from cancer, and why each changing tradition holds a special place in his heart.

Prior Successful Coping Strategies May Help Manage Cancer-Related Stress

December 6th 2021

By Jamie Cesanek

People who have successfully navigated difficult times in the past may be able to use those previous coping strategies to help them weather new stress related to a cancer diagnosis, treatment or survivorship, according to an expert from the George Washington University Cancer Center.

Cancer’s Hidden Threat: Post-Diagnosis Anxiety

November 27th 2021

By Khevin Barnes

A male breast cancer survivor describes his anxiety and one tool for curtailing it.

I Pretended to Be Tough After Learning of my Cancer Diagnosis

November 22nd 2021

By Gogs Gagnon

Men are often discouraged by society from openly sharing their emotions. A cancer survivor explains why lessons from childhood around how men should behave prevented him from finding support for his mental health.

The Importance of Asking Permission When Recording Doctor’s Appointments

November 10th 2021

By Colleen Moretti

Even though recording conversations during a doctor’s appointment may make it easier for patients with cancer to retain information, some oncologists are uncomfortable with being recorded.

Many Patients With Cancer Consider Telemedicine Appointments Just as Effective as In-Office Visits

November 9th 2021

By Colleen Moretti

Due to less travel and other treatment-related expenses, some patients with cancer prefer a telemedicine doctor’s visit over going into an office or clinic.

Patients Can Help Change Discriminatory Experiences in Cancer Care

November 9th 2021

By Brielle Benyon

When LGBTQ+ patients speak up about discriminatory experiences in cancer care, it can help take back the power and pave the way for better care in the future.

Study Identifies Mortality, Diagnosis Trends in Patients Diagnosed with Cancer, Mental Health Conditions

November 5th 2021

By Colleen Moretti

The study results demonstrated that patients with cancer had an elevated risk of all-cause mortality in the short-term if they experienced the onset of a mental health condition and were prescribed medicine for the condition shortly after their cancer diagnosis.

A Survivor 'Chuckles' at Microagressions Toward Her Post-Cancer Body

November 3rd 2021

By Laura Yeager

A breast cancer survivor explains how a group of men made fun of her chest – which is flat due to a double mastectomy – and how she chose to laugh the rude comment away.

Suicide Risk May Increase After Cancer Diagnosis, With Disparities Evident Across Socioeconomic Factors

November 2nd 2021

By Darlene Dobkowski, MA

The risk for suicide increased after a cancer diagnosis and may last at least 10 years after, emphasizing how patients should seek mental health care as part of their journey.

Love Lost: The Effects of Cancer on Marriage and Relationships

October 28th 2021

By Don Vaughan

Although being in a close relationship during the cancer journey can dramatically improve outcomes, the stress of treatment and the diagnosis itself can take a toll on couples, sometimes in a negative way.

Social Media Can Help Caregivers and Patients Feel Less Alone During the Cancer Journey

October 17th 2021

By Kim Johnson

A woman who was the primary caregiver for her sister with cancer writes about how she regrets not utilizing social media to share updates throughout the treatment journey.

When Cancer Becomes a Liability in the Relationship

October 15th 2021

By Jessica Bolz

What do you do when cancer begins to drive a wedge between you and your partner? “I always feel it could cause the end of my relationship because I’m too much,” writes one survivor.

Living With Lynch Syndrome Prepared Me for Anxiety and Loss During COVID-19

October 7th 2021

By Georgia Hurst

A woman explains how living with Lynch syndrome prepared her for the anxiety felt during the COVID-19 pandemic and discusses a painful loss she experienced.

A Cancer Fighter's Reminder That the Universe Isn't All Bad

October 4th 2021

By Steve Rubin

Experiencing the trauma of cancer can make you feel like the universe is working against you. One cancer survivor explains the series of events that changed his outlook.

Cancer Survivors Need Friends Who Understand Our Cancer Journey

September 14th 2021

By Marissa Holzer

A woman with metastatic breast cancer describes a fulfilling experience of meeting another survivor who has lived a similar cancer journey, and the unique lasting connection it can create.

Cancer and Friendship

August 25th 2021

By Rick Siefke

A retired oncology social worker offers several tips on supporting a friend who has cancer, as well as ways to ask for support as a patient with cancer.

Fear of Disease Progression Can Be ‘Debilitating’ For Some Parents of Childhood Cancer Survivors

August 17th 2021

By Colleen Moretti

While it is normal for parents of childhood cancer survivors to experience anxiety and depression related to the fear of disease progression, parents are encouraged to seek help to ensure that the fear or progression doesn’t lead to debilitating consequences, according to an expert at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

LGBTQ Cancer Survivors Report Lack of Social Support and Resources

August 12th 2021

By Jamie Cesanek

Cancer survivors who identify as LGBTQ reported a lack of access to tailored resources and support groups and fear of discrimination.

Cancer Care in LGBTQ Patients: Where We Are and What We Need

August 9th 2021

By Brielle Benyon

More people are aware of the disparities LGBTQ patients face, but prohibitive legislature could be moving the needle backward when it comes to equality in care.

Adolescents With Cancer Get Psychosocial Support From Healthy Peers in Innovative Program

July 27th 2021

By Jamie Cesanek

Assigning healthy classmates to accompany patients with cancer in their peer group to hospital visits had a positive impact on the patients’ social and emotional wellbeing.

Revealing a Cancer Diagnosis in the Workplace: To Tell or Not to Tell?

July 21st 2021

By Brielle Benyon

There is no right decision on if – or how – to reveal a cancer diagnosis in the workplace.

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