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I find it difficult to talk about cancer...
Whether you are someone with cancer or a friend/relative/carer, talking about cancer may not be easy.
If you have cancer you may desperately want to talk… but you may worry about burdening your friends and family. Will they be able to cope if you get upset or angry? Will they become distressed if they are reminded about your illness?
If you’re a friend/relative/carer you may not be sure how much your relative or friend wants to talk about their illness. Of course you want to help, but you may be afraid of doing or saying the wrong thing.
Talking with children can bring particular questions. Should you tell your child about your illness? Will you upset them? How much will they be able to understand, and what should you actually say?
If it’s your child who is ill, how can you possibly explain their cancer to them? Will talking with them upset you and make you lose control?
Your Clinical Nurse Specialist or the Macmillan Cancer Information Centre are available as a support to you. They can listen to your concerns, and offer information and support to help your situation.
The links below will guide you to more specific areas of practical help and information on talking about cancer:
- Talking to others about your cancer
- How to talk to someone with cancer
- Talking to children about cancer
