Telling people you have cancer and explaining your treatment can be very difficult. You may wish to tell family, close friends and your employer. You may not want to tell others. Everyone's comfort level is different.

Here are some suggestions to help you talk about your cancer:
• Make the first move - people may be unsure or afraid to ask you questions.

• Speak at the level they understand, especially when talking with children.

• Let them experience it their way - their reaction may not be the same as yours.

• Let them know what to expect during your treatment.

• Tell them how they can help - people want to help but often don't know how.

• Be prepared for difficult questions.

• Have them speak to your health care team about their questions and concerns.

You and your family may find it helpful to read the booklet “Living with Cancer: A guide for people with cancer and their caregivers”.


Talking to Your Children
Many parents don't quite know where to begin to talk with their children about their cancer or a loved ones cancer. Often, parents are unsure about how much to share or how to explain things in a way that makes sense for children, or when it is the best time to share information. Your healthcare team can connect you with resource people who help you talk with your children about your cancer and your treatments.

You and your family may also find it helpful to access these resources:

- When a Parent is Sick: Helping Parents Explain Serious Illness to Children, Joan Hamilton, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Cancer Care, QEII, Halifax. Available from the Cancer Programs at the QEII in Halifax, your patient navigator, and the social worker at the Cape Breton Cancer Centre.

- Talking to Kids About Cancer http://cancercouncil.com.au/

- When a Parent has cancer http://cancercouncil.com.au/