Ten months ago, as I watched the Superbowl for its commercials, I had no idea that the most poignant and profound of them would be the chilling fact that half of us will be diagnosed with cancer during our lifetime (Working With Cancer Pledge). This means that all of us will face cancer either directly with our own diagnosis, or because we care for someone who has been diagnosed.
For me, it was my dad, and through his journey the overwhelm of being a daughter, mother, sister, spouse, and employee as well as a cancer caregiver ultimately led to the idea of Caregiven. That idea became a concept when caregiver after caregiver said “there is no roadmap” to this journey and we were able to point to research that showed otherwise, as Molly Lindquist introduces below.
We all will face complex emotions as we care for a family member, friend or coworker facing cancer. These emotions can become our roadmap, or at least help us recognize, contextualize and normalize the milestones.
The 5 Emotional Stages of People with Cancer
By Molly Lindquist
Receiving a cancer diagnosis can feel like you've hopped onto an emotional rollercoaster, and individuals may experience these emotions differently and in various stages. While there is no universally accepted set of "5 stages of emotions" specifically for cancer diagnosis, the concept of emotional stages often draws from Elisabeth Kübler-Ross's model, which was originally developed to describe the stages of grief and was later applied to the emotional experiences of individuals facing serious illness. It's important to note that not everyone goes through these stages in a linear fashion. Additionally, some people may cycle through these stages' multiple times, and others may not experience all of them. The emotional response to a cancer diagnosis is highly individual, and each person's experience is unique. Seeking support from healthcare professionals, counselors, support groups, and loved ones can be invaluable during this challenging time. I am 12 years out from my cancer diagnosis, and I still experience emotional ups and downs.
What are the emotional stages of terminal cancer?
The emotional stages of terminal cancer are often marked by profound sadness, anxiety, and a sense of impending loss, as individuals and their loved one's grapple with the knowledge that the illness is not curable.
What are the five emotions of cancer patients?
Cancer patients may experience a range of emotional states throughout their journey, including fear and uncertainty upon diagnosis, followed by anger or frustration as they navigate treatment challenges. Many patients also find moments of hope, resilience, and acceptance as they receive support from healthcare providers and loved ones, ultimately shaping a unique emotional path during their cancer experience.
What are the common emotional problems for a cancer patient?
Common emotional problems for cancer patients often include anxiety and depression, which can stem from the stress of diagnosis, treatment side effects, and the uncertainty of the future. Additionally, feelings of isolation and fear of recurrence can contribute to emotional distress, highlighting the importance of comprehensive psychosocial support in cancer care.
What are the 5 stages of cancer grief?
The concept of the "5 stages of cancer grief" is not a widely recognized psychological model. However, individuals diagnosed with cancer may experience a range of emotions that can be loosely compared to the stages of grief, including denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance, as they come to terms with their diagnosis and navigate the challenges of living with the disease.
Personality changes in cancer patients?
Cancer and its treatments can sometimes lead to personality changes in patients due to factors such as physical discomfort, emotional distress, and changes in brain function from medications. These changes can vary widely and may include increased irritability, mood swings, and alterations in cognitive abilities, highlighting the need for understanding and support from both healthcare providers and loved ones.
Why do cancer patients get mean?
Cancer patients may sometimes exhibit increased irritability or appear "mean" due to the physical and emotional toll of the disease and its treatments. Pain, discomfort, anxiety, and frustration can contribute to shifts in behavior, emphasizing the importance of patience, empathy, and open communication in supporting cancer patients during their challenging journey.
How does cancer change a person?
Cancer can profoundly change people, both physically and emotionally. While some individuals may become more resilient and gain a deeper appreciation for life, others may grapple with feelings of fear, uncertainty, and a shift in priorities, ultimately reshaping their perspectives and priorities.
Psychological effects of cancer?
The psychological effects of cancer can be far-reaching, encompassing a wide range of emotions including anxiety, depression, fear, and stress. Cancer patients often experience these effects due to the shock of diagnosis, the uncertainty of treatment outcomes, and the physical and emotional challenges associated with the disease, highlighting the critical importance of psychosocial support and mental health care in cancer care.
Stage 4 cancer and anger?
Stage 4 cancer patients may often experience anger as they grapple with the reality of an advanced and often incurable disease. This anger can be directed towards the illness itself, the impact on their lives, or the medical challenges they face, highlighting the complex emotional landscape that accompanies late-stage cancer.
How do cancer patients feel emotionally?
Cancer patients can experience a wide spectrum of emotions, ranging from fear, sadness, and anxiety to hope, resilience, and gratitude. These emotional responses are highly individual and can fluctuate throughout the cancer journey, reflecting the complex and multifaceted nature of the experience.
What not to say to someone with cancer?
When speaking to someone with cancer, it's important to avoid making dismissive or minimizing comments, such as saying, "It's just hair, it will grow back," as this can downplay their very real emotional and physical challenges. Additionally, refraining from offering unsolicited medical advice or sharing negative stories about cancer outcomes can help create a more supportive and empathetic environment for the person facing the disease.
What do cancer patients want to hear?
Cancer patients often appreciate hearing messages of empathy, support, and encouragement. Most importantly, listen first. Just being there for someone going through cancer can be a huge comfort.
How do you cheer up someone with cancer?
To cheer someone up with cancer, it's essential to be a good listener and offer your presence and companionship. Thoughtful gestures such as sending cards, bringing their favorite snacks, or arranging visits can also provide comfort and moments of joy during their treatment.
What do cancer patients need?
Cancer patients often need a strong support system that includes emotional support from friends and family. Knowing they are not alone in their experience can go a long way!
Disclaimer: This post is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing or other professional health care services, including the giving of medical advice, and no doctor/patient relationship is formed. The use of information from this post or materials linked from this post is at the user's own risk. The content of this post is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard, or delay in obtaining, medical advice for any medical condition they may have, and should seek the assistance of their health care professionals for any such conditions.
Molly was one of the very first people I spoke to when I was still pondering the idea of Caregiven. Then, she was the founder of Consano, a non-profit crowdfunding platform for medical research and a celebrated pioneer of change for cancer patients/survivors and their caregivers. Today, she is doing even more to personalize and make accessible the knowledge, resources and tools to equip those facing a cancer journey through her work with Manta Cares. Molly has given permission to use this excerpt from her original blog posted here on the Manta Cares website.