The following information was adapted from National Cancer Institute materials by Huntsman Cancer Institute's department of social work. If you would like additional information on any of these topics, please contact your social worker.

Coping with cancer is difficult at best. In additional to physical changes, the disease can cause emotional, psychological, spiritual, financial, and social upheaval. Yet many of the nearly 9 million American cancer survivors alive today and their families have adjusted to their diagnosis and gone on living healthy, productive lives. Cancer is serious, but it's not hopeless.

To a large extent, you determine your quality of life. Maintaining a positive and realistic attitude, cooperating with and trusting your health care professionals, and learning about your disease and treatment will help you become a cancer thriver, not just a cancer survivor.

"Coping With a Cancer Diagnosis" - Table of Contents >>  Be a Member of Your Health Care Team >>  Riding the Rollercoaster: Emotional and Physical Changes >>  Impact on Family and Friends >>  Breaking the News >>  Social Work