Communication

01/22/24 • 23 min

Following your diagnosis, there’s further difficult conversations to be had. How do you let the people in your life know that you have cancer? There are many reasons why you might hold off on sharing your diagnosis with loved ones: a fear of burdening them with such heavy news, a desire to retain your independence, or a worry that others may make a big fuss. Telling your loved ones about a potentially fatal disease is no small task but it’s critical to getting the support you need. In this episode, you’ll hear from your peers on how they navigated sharing this difficult news and how it helped them to draw support from their loved ones.

This podcast was developed in collaboration with the Cancer Psychology Collective.

For more information and resources relating to the content of today’s episode, visit our website at https://www.guysandstthomas.nhs.uk.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This podcast was developed in collaboration with the Cancer Psychology Collective.

For more information and resources relating to the content of today’s episode, visit our website at https://www.guysandstthomas.nhs.uk.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Previous Episode

Receiving Your Diagnosis

Every year, 375,000 people across the UK receive news from their doctor that completely turns their lives upside down: “you’ve got cancer”. The moment of diagnosis is such a destabilising experience that most people will hear nothing else beyond those three words. But you’re not alone. We’re here to help.

In our first episode we’ll introduce you to your peer support group. They come from a wide range of backgrounds. One thing they all have in common? First-hand experience with cancer in its many shapes and forms. They’ll tell you how they processed their diagnosis as well as offer advice, like what questions to ask your doctor and how having someone with you when you first hear the news can be enormously beneficial.

This podcast was developed in collaboration with the Cancer Psychology Collective.

Resources:

Help to deal with a diagnosis

What to expect from an urgent cancer referral

Tools for personalised cancer care

For more information and resources relating to the content of today’s episode, visit our website at https://www.guysandstthomas.nhs.uk.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Next Episode

Deciding To Have Surgery

Not long after your diagnosis, you’ll sit down with your doctor and discuss your treatment

plan. There are many forms of cancer treatment, and no two patients’ experiences will be exactly alike. However, most patients will have one major question to consider: whether to have surgery. This is rarely a straightforward decision. You’ll need to weigh up your surgeon’s advice, the various risks and potential side effects and a seemingly infinite number of personal considerations. In this episode you'll hear from peers who will talk about the questions they asked, the research they did and the people they consulted to help lead them to their chosen course of action.

This podcast was developed in collaboration with the Cancer Psychology Collective.

Resources:

BRAN tool to help make decisions about surgery

Macmillan support with energy bills

Using an advocate to support your care

Citizens Advice offering free financial advice

For more information and resources relating to the content of today’s episode, visit our website at https://www.guysandstthomas.nhs.uk.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.