Psychosocial | News

Cancer, COVID-19 and the Choices We Make

May 9th 2022

By Martha Carlson

When it comes to both COVID-19 precautions and life with cancer, I feel like I have to sacrifice some privacy to gain understanding from the people around me.

Patients With Cancer Are Savvier Than Ever Before

May 9th 2022

By Brielle Benyon

Patients with cancer have so many resources available to them to learn about their disease as well as their treatment options, explained a research nurse from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

Emergency Moves to Help Respond to Cancer Triggers

May 9th 2022

By Steve Rubin

The cancer experience is far from over when scans turn up clear. Here’s how I deal with triggering reminders of the disease.

The Role of Willpower in Battling Cancer

May 9th 2022

By Yasmina Rebani

My dad was always strong willed, and I think that helped him face aggressive, late-stage cancer.

Patrick Dempsey Notes Mental Health in Cancer Care Has ‘Changed Tremendously’ Over Past 2 Decades

May 5th 2022

By Brielle Benyon

Mental wellbeing is more of a focus than ever before in cancer care, and while treatments continue to get better, there is still a long road ahead, according to Patrick Dempsey.

Certain Patients May Be at Higher Risk of Cancer-Related Cognitive Impairment, Stress, Anxiety

May 4th 2022

By Colleen Moretti

Unrelieved stress may play a part in causing cancer-related cognitive impairment and anxiety, though more research is needed.

I Had No Clue My Cancer Would Be So Hard on My Kid

May 4th 2022

By Laura Yeager

Nobody prepared me for the hardest part of my cancer experience — the toll it would have on my 6-year-old son.

Post-Chemo Fatigue is Nothing Like Your Typical Tiredness, It Can Stop You Dead in Your Tracks

April 21st 2022

By Michelle Velez

I can’t plan anything without planning time to rest. I literally have to schedule my whole day around when I can lie down to nap.

How Can Patients With Cancer, Caregivers Find the Best Mental Health Care Available?

April 21st 2022

By Darlene Dobkowski, MA

Experts from Cancer Treatment Centers of America explain why mental health is important from cancer diagnosis through survivorship, the types of therapy and more.

The Trauma From My Cancer Journey Has Adequately Prepared Me for Crossroads Life Throws My Way

April 20th 2022

By Steve Rubin

My wife and I took a weekend break from the worries of cancer and everyday life, but things did not go as planned, forcing me to tap into all the self-work I’ve been focusing on this year.

Navigating the End of Life Does Not Have to Be a Solitary Journey

April 18th 2022

By Kristie L. Kahl

An expert discusses the resources and support available to people to better face their end-of-life journey.

Hoping For a Miracle: Mental Health Care Should Be Standard Treatment for All Cancers

April 18th 2022

By Mark Hicks

A trauma therapist who specializes in cancer would have been helpful for my wife and I as we navigated her cancer experience, but the option was never discussed at our health care visits.

Art Can Be an ‘Outpouring of What’s Pent Up’ for Cancer Survivors

April 11th 2022

By Bonnie Annis

While wandering around an outdoor art exhibit, I found a sculpture that really spoke to my cancer experience.

I Can't Stop Mourning the Way Life Used to Be Before COVID-19

April 6th 2022

By Jane Biehl Ph.D.

Going through the COVID-19 pandemic with a cancer diagnosis made me feel jittery, and I know that many others felt the same way, too.

'Give Yourself Grace’ Amidst the Potential Fear of Cancer Recurrence During Survivorship

March 31st 2022

By Darlene Dobkowski, MA

As a patient moves from treatment to survivorship, the fear of cancer recurrence may overshadow the ability for them to recognize how much they have endured, but support is available to hopefully lessen the burden.

‘Authentically Empathic’ Late-Stage Patient Inspires Fellow Cancer Survivor

March 28th 2022

By Brielle Benyon

When lovers of “Pinky and the Brain,” “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” and other cartoons gathered in voice actor Rob Paulsen’s hospital room, he took particular notice of one exuberant woman with cancer who was extroverted and kind, despite not having long to live.

Depression and Anxiety Shown to Deter Patients With Cancer From Joining Clinical Trials

March 21st 2022

By Colleen Moretti

One of the hurdles, according to the study’s lead author, is that many patients with cancer are worried about receiving a placebo in a clinical trial.

There’s No Denying Cancer Survivorship Is Hard, But We Can Get Through It

March 21st 2022

By Lorelei Colbert

During my treatment for triple-negative breast cancer, there was a plan for every situation, but once I entered survivorship, I was in uncharted territory.

Not Everything Is ‘Fine,’ and That’s OK: A Guide on How I Wish to Be Supported Through Cancer

March 18th 2022

By Marissa Holzer

There’s a fine line between toxic positivity and encouragement. Myself and other cancer survivors know that all too well.

Addressing Psychosocial Needs in Cancer Care Has Improved Over Past 20 Years, But More Work Still Needed

March 7th 2022

By Colleen Moretti

Increased resources and technological advances have allowed cancer survivors experiencing psychological side effects to seek help that might not have been available to them 20 years ago.

Here Are Some Tips to Help You Freeze Out Those Winter Blues and Seasonal Affective Disorder

February 25th 2022

By Bonnie Annis

As a cancer survivor, I know all too well the struggles with depression and sadness. Fold in those grey winter days and It makes for a disastrous recipe.

Although Cancer Can Damage Body Image, One Survivor Sought to 'Love Herself From the Inside'

February 24th 2022

By Ryan McDonald

Sara Montiel says she experienced severe body image issues after her breast cancer diagnosis and subsequent double mastectomy, but she now recalls how she learned to realize how cancer was a blessing.

‘Boys Don’t Cry’: How Men Can ‘Wrangle Emotions’ While Facing Cancer

February 22nd 2022

By William Ramshaw

Facing cancer can be perplexing for some men as many of us were raised within the “boys don’t cry” ilk, but I want to remind everyone that it’s OK to feel emotions.

Exploring the Dynamics of a Male Cancer Caregiver in a Society That Encourages Men to Be Independent

February 17th 2022

By Jamie Cesanek

In this episode of the “Cancer Horizons” podcast, the founder of Jack’s Caregiver Coalition, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting men throughout the caregiving experience, explores the layered sociological factors which can affect men in unique ways when they are supporting a loved one with cancer.

My Service Dog Taught Me How to Live Despite Having Cancer

February 9th 2022

By Jane Biehl Ph.D.

As I remember my wonderful service dog, Sita, and honor her life, I want her to know that she not only taught me how to live, but also how to die gracefully.

Updated Cancer Registry to Provide Patients, Survivors and Caregivers a Tool to Highlight Unmet Needs

February 1st 2022

By Brielle Benyon

The Cancer Support Community’s Cancer Experience Registry amplifies the voices of patients, survivors and caregivers by finding and addressing critical gaps in cancer care.

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.

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