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The symptom flyers are not a substitute for consultation with your treatment team. If you are unsure or have any questions, please contact your treatment team. 

Dealing with my feelings

Good to know

People with cancer have good days and bad days. It can be hard to deal with follow-up visits after cancer treatments or the news that the disease cannot now be cured. Such news can be very shocking and can change a life completely.

Your daily life is also influenced by changing emotions. People affected by cancer and those close to them may feel anger, sadness, despair, fear, withdrawal or symptoms of depression. They ask themselves many questions but there is often no answer. For example: "Why me?

No matter what stage of cancer you're in, your quality of life should be your priority. There are many professionals who can help you maintain the best possible quality of life by treating your problems and providing support. The recommendations in this flyer can help you to deal with your emotions.

You feel...
Or you notice...
What you can do for yourself...
You feel...
Or you notice...
  • You accept your situation
  • Sometimes, you are afraid when you think about what will happen in the future
  • Sometimes you feel really tired and like doing nothing
What you can do for yourself...
  • Take care of your body. Plan rest periods during the day.
  • Make the most of your good days by doing things you enjoy (e.g. going for a walk, going to the cinema, meeting people you trust).
  • If you're struggling, try not to be alone with your fears.
  • Talk to the people close to you about your feelings, concerns, and questions: they can support you.
You feel...
Or you notice...
  • You are often sad, even angry
  • You feel like you don't know what's going on.
  • Sometimes, it's hard to focus on what you're doing, or on a conversation.
What you can do for yourself...
  • You could join a discussion group where you can talk to other people in a similar situation.
  • Talk to members of your healthcare team you trust about your feelings, concerns and questions.
  • Contact the Cancer League in your canton or the Cancer HelpLine for support.

 

 

You feel...
Or you notice...
  • You can't concentrate on an activity or a conversation
  • You can't sleep at night
  • You feel like you have no hope
  • You panic sometimes
What you can do for yourself...
  • Contact your healthcare team.

Tips

Psycho-oncology support

The announcement of bad news and the emotional shock that accompanies it may not be possible to overcome without the help of a specialist. Psycho-oncologists can help you and those close to you to deal with the emotions you are experiencing by offering you counselling Ask your treatment team for a recommendation.

Exchanges with other people concerned

Support from a palliative care team

When treatment is aimed at relieving symptoms rather than curing the disease, palliative care offers an approach that enables the best possible quality of life to be maintained. Specialist palliative care teams also support and care for cancer patients at home.

Further information on this topic

  • Emotions and Cancer (Cancer Council Australia, 2024)  Guide on the emotional impact of cancer and ways to adjust to life with a cancer diagnosis
  • Distress During Cancer Care (NCCN Guidelines for Patients, 2024) – Guide explaining emotional distress during cancer and ways to cope

You can download the flyer as PDF here

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