Psychosocial

Self-reliance can be a challenge after a long cancer journey but taking on even small steps can make a major difference in moving forward.

When going through cancer, you are often waiting for more bad news to come because it comes far more often than good news does. It is hard to let your guard down and recognize that while that was life during cancer, that is not your life anymore.

One to three percent of survivors develop a second cancer different from the originally treated cancer. The level of risk is small, and greater numbers of survivors are living longer due to improvements in treatment. However, even thinking about the possibility of having a second cancer can be stressful.

Please, look for advice and resources that do not further complicate or adversely affect your own efforts to cope, but rather offers a path for you to do the best for your kids but still focus on all the aspects of you and your whole family living with cancer.

On social media, CURE® recently asked its readers to share how they overcome the fear that comes with cancer. Here, we share some of their responses.

Fear of having cancer is not unusual, but there are a few actions you can take to help calm those fears

While the rare cancer landscape is growing, progress is happening thanks to patients advocating for their care.

Feeling overwhelmed and scared during cancer treatment is completely normal. Here are some tips to help patients conquer their fears each step of the way.

On social media, CURE® recently asked its readers to share some tips for others for coping with roadblocks they might experience on their cancer journey. Here, we share some of their responses.

While it may seem beneficial to attach ourselves to the memories of our pre-cancer existence, it does little to help us focus on the here and now.

Anxiety, fear and panic may be some of the most difficult feelings to manage during cancer treatment. Here are some ways of dealing with these emotions to make you feel better.

What had eluded my wife and I, and not without great consequence, was the damage cancer had inflicted upon our apartment. Years and years of trauma, PTSD triggers, and bone-chilling memories had snuck in and festered around us like cockroaches.

On social media, CURE® recently asked its readers to share how they cope with anxiety leading up to their next scans. Here, we share some of their responses.

After a traumatic event, such as breast cancer, it's important for a person to self-monitor. Feelings of anxiety or depression can be debilitating, but there's no reason to suffer in silence.

That sinking feeling in the pit of your stomach is familiar to those who have heard the words "you have cancer". Telling someone not to worry post treatment can be like telling them to not breathe. Listening is more productive than telling survivors not to worry.

Although I was never a member of a sorority in the traditional sense, having breast cancer has put me into a sorority of women (and a few men) and created lifelong freidnships.

A colon cancer survivor reflects on receiving her first diagnosis as a high school student, and offers current students whose academic careers have been altered by COVID-19 some advice on how they'll get through the missed experiences.

A metastatic breast cancer survivor notes that It takes bravery to choose friends with cancer, but she stresses that the love and joy that comes with those friendships far outweigh the potential grief.

I asked fellow patients with cancer and survivors on Twitter for advice on coping strategies to combat "Scanxiety" and some suggested making a conscious attempt to not let anxiety ruin the days leading up to your next scan. I gave it a shot, and it worked.

One cancer survivor finds health and healing in the gift of music.

A 10-year breast cancer, and six-year melanoma survivor reassures other survivors that they are not alone if they are struggling with anxiety, depression or PTSD years after their cancer treatments have ended.

As I walk around the senior community that I live in, I notice the stark reminders that life is an impermanent adventure.

An author who journaled while homebound after cancer treatment has created a book of writing prompts for those who are staying put during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Exploring your story can bring awareness and closure — and help you love this new version of yourself.

A cancer survivor reflects on how the COVID-19 pandemic can feel exhausting but notes that we can still persevere.

It's important to celebrate the mini-victories along the cancer journey, whether it's with your favorite food or a small parade.

Cancer changes everything about one’s self-image, but that doesn’t mean it is a negative outcome.

A survivor of male breast cancer goes through what he wishes he knew before a breast cancer diagnosis.