What To Do When a Loved One Is First Diagnosed With Cancer
Notify family and friends.
Why and How to Notify Family and Friends of a Cancer Diagnosis
There are two main reasons to tell others about the diagnosis:
They'll want to know, and many will appreciate the opportunity to help. They might also have useful -- perhaps even lifesaving -- information, insights, or connections. (After all, almost everyone's life has been touched by cancer in some way.)
You'll need their help. Caring for someone with cancer is usually a marathon, not a sprint. If you're the primary caregiver and your goal is to provide both effective care and maintain your own health and life, you absolutely can't go it alone.
Discuss with your loved one whom they wish to tell, and in what order. Ask if they want to give the news themselves or if they'd like you to do it. Sometimes a group e-mail is the best way to get lots of information to many people at once.
No matter how you do it, use this first communication as a chance to compile a complete contact list -- something you'll likely draw on many times in the coming months.
