When people are first diagnosed with cancer, they experience a wide range of feelings such as sadness, helplessness, anxiety and fear. Sometimes they feel they are losing control of their life. It is important to remember that your reactions and feelings are normal. Cancer affects the human spirit as much as it affects the body. It challenges all your goals, values and beliefs in life.

You are not alone in having to deal with your feelings and emotions. Your family, your friends, and especially your cancer care team can help you explore and deal with your feelings. Let them know when you're ready to talk about your hopes and fears.

You may want to join a support or self-help group or have personal counseling. Reconnecting with your religious or spiritual beliefs may be part of working through the anxieties you feel.

Talk about your cancerTelling people you have cancer and explaining your treatment can be very difficult. You should 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 be the same as yours. 
• Let them know what to expect during your treatment. 
• Tell them what you expect from them - people want to help but don't know how. 
• Be prepared for difficult questions. 
• Have them speak to the health care team about their questions and concerns.