Psychosocial
You Are What You Think: Staying Optimistic During Cancer
While I wouldn’t say that my cancer-related hospital stays were fun, I did my best to maintain a positive attitude and make the best of them.
The Big White Cancer Binder
Sometimes, hundreds of pages of cancer information still just doesn’t connect with the person who needs it.
I’m Frustrated at What I’ve Lost to Cancer
I’m happy to be alive and thankful for all that I have, but cancer and the COVID-19 pandemic has taken so much from me, physically, emotionally and financially.
The Spectrum of Sharing a Cancer Diagnosis With Employers
Patients with cancer may decide to share their diagnosis with their employer but approaching it in a way that is most comfortable to the patient may make it a more effective conversation.
There Is No Guidebook for Life With Cancer
There is no guidebook to life with cancer, but here a few important lessons I learned along the way.
Understanding the Cancer Experience From the Outside Looking In
People who have never experienced cancer may think that life continues as normal after treatment is done, but that’s far from reality.
Disclosing Cancer to Employers: Survivors Share Their Reasons to Tell or Not to Tell
Cancer survivors shared why they disclosed — or didn’t disclose — their cancer diagnosis to their employers.
Planning My Priorities After a Cancer Diagnosis
After being diagnosed with cancer and taking a look at all the stuff I accumulated, I began to think about my priorities in life.
Cancer Helped Me Choose Kindness
My cancer diagnosis — and the emotional effects that came with it — made me who I am today.
From Bedside to the Starting Line, a Patient Bonds With Her Oncologist Through Running
A marathon runner who was diagnosed with metastatic melanoma learned that what she enjoyed doing before cancer could help her regain her energy and identity during and after treatment.
Recognizing Psychological Distress After Cancer
After going through cancer, I better recognize my triggers for heightened anxiety.
Staying Grounded with Cancer
Here are a few ways I stay grounded throughout cancer.
Art as Cancer Therapy
Art therapy allows patients to figure out how to use art to access emotions and experiences and to externalize them, one expert said.
Where I Keep My Focus While Fighting Cancer
I've learned that with cancer, there’s a difference between cathartic venting (a natural stage of grief) and falling into a victim mindset.
Group Cancer Therapy Turned Panic Into Gratitude
My cancer support group was as important to my cure and healing as my oncologist and surgeon.
Difficult Conversations and Realizations of Cancer
Cancer-related decisions put strain on relationships between myself and family members.
'How You Doin'?' Can Be a Tricky Question to Ask Someone With Cancer
When I was in the throes of cancer, I didn't know how to answer well-meaning people who asked, "How you doin'?"
I Feel Cheated as a Cancer Survivor
Cancer took so many experiences away from me, yet I sometimes feel guilty that I survived and others did not.
Everything Is Not OK: A TV Show Gave Me Flashbacks to Cancer
I thought my sensitivity to breast cancer scenarios on television shows had gotten stronger, but it hasn’t.
Scanxiety Made Me Change My Cancer Surgery Decision
After experiencing intense scanxiety after my single mastectomy, I decided to go back and have a prophylactic mastectomy.
I Was Unprepared for the Emotional Toll of Cancer
After I was diagnosed with colorectal cancer and told I needed a colectomy, I knew I’d face physical and financial difficulties after the surgery, but I did not anticipate the emotional toll of my diagnosis.
The Mind Is a Powerful Thing During Cancer
A book I read made me realize the importance of positive thinking — even when going through cancer.
How I Maintained My Self Dignity While Fighting Cancer
While undergoing cancer treatments, I wasn’t prepared for what it would feel like while interacting with the world outside of the hospital, but I found a few things that helped.
One Survivor Helps Others Find Their ‘Cancer Love Story’
After receiving supportive care during her college cancer journey, this survivor now works to guide other patients through their treatments.
'Drawing on the Other Side' Amidst Cancer
When my wife was going through breast cancer treatment, I started drawing with my non-dominant hand as a means of distraction and self-care.
Cancer-Related Unemployment Can Decrease Quality of Life
Patients who are financially struggling due to job loss after a cancer diagnosis may benefit from multidisciplinary back-to-work programs and financial counseling, according to an expert.
When the Light at End of Tunnel is Terrifying: Haunting ‘What Ifs’ After Chemo Ends
I have only one more chemotherapy treatment left, but instead of being excited, I’m afraid that this final brutal treatment may be the end of me.
My Dog’s Love Gave Me the Will to Live During Cancer
After being diagnosed with leukemia, my Golden Retriever, Payton, was my emotional caregiver and gave me the will to live.
On Cancer and Careers: How a Diagnosis Changed Survivors’ Jobs
We asked our audience of cancer survivors how their diagnosis affected their careers. Here’s what they had to say.
'Cancer Ghosting' Is an Unfortunate Reality
Losing my breasts was hard, but losing one of my best friends was even harder, and something I’ve had to come to terms with.