Finding Hope and Strength to Take on a Cancer Diagnosis
- Martina McBride, the country music icon, is a dedicated advocate for cancer patients. She’s led programs promoting cancer research and early detection and created songs dedicated to cancer warriors, including her popular hit Just Around the Corner, to inspire hope and resilience.
- Newly diagnosed patients often face overwhelming emotions while navigating their diagnosis, treatment options, and conversations with loved ones.
- Creative therapies, such as music and art therapy, can provide emotional relief during treatment. Additionally, animal-assisted therapy, involving interactions with animals like dogs and horses, has proven beneficial.
- Cancer centers frequently employ social workers or patient navigators to assist with financial concerns, transportation to medical appointments, and connections to mental health resources.
“Helping families who are facing cancer has always been a cause that is near and dear to my heart,” McBride shared with the Sarah Cannon Cancer Network. Her advocacy extends beyond music, as she actively supports campaigns promoting early detection and cancer research.
The music video for Just Around the Corner brought many to tears, including fans who credit McBride’s songs with providing hope during their own battles. One such fan, Terri Bellile, shared on Facebook, “Martina, you have been my favorite singer since the first time I heard you sing years ago. I was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer, which spread to my brain in September 2015. Your music is so inspiring. Thank you for your support in the fight against cancer.”
McBride’s devotion to cancer awareness continues to make an impact. “Many of us know someone affected by cancer and want to help,” she told People Magazine, reinforcing her commitment to supporting patients, families, and the ongoing fight against the disease.
RELATED: The value of a social worker during treatment.
Helping Patients Cope with a Cancer Diagnosis
Help Coping With a Cancer Diagnosis
Receiving a cancer diagnosis can be emotionally overwhelming, with feelings that fluctuate from day to day. Psychiatrist Dr. Lori Plutchik emphasizes that it’s natural for emotions to be fluid.
“You may feel fine one day and then feel a massive wave of stress the next. It’s also important for those you look to for support, whether that’s a therapist, friends, and family, or both, to understand the fluidity of stress-related emotions,” Dr. Plutchik explains.
WATCH: How to cope with complex and changing emotions.
For those struggling to manage their emotions, mental health treatment—whether therapy, medication, support groups, or lifestyle adjustments—can be beneficial. Experts suggest several ways to ease stress:
- Lean on loved ones—Let them know what you’re going through so they can help in practical ways.
- Keep a journal—Writing down thoughts can be a cathartic release.
- Join a support group—Connecting with others who understand the experience can be incredibly reassuring.
- Seek professional help—A therapist can provide a safe space to navigate fears and uncertainties.
Cancer centers often provide patient navigators and social workers to assist with financial concerns, transportation, and mental health support. Some patients also find comfort in animal therapy, which can range from simple interactions with pets to structured activities, such as horseback riding, for therapeutic benefits.
Sharing Your Diagnosis
Deciding when and how to share a cancer diagnosis can be challenging. Some people prefer to keep it private, while others feel comfortable discussing their journey openly. Dr. Lori Plutchik advises that there is no single correct approach. “People should do what feels right to them,” she says.
Because a cancer journey can be filled with uncertainty, patients may choose to wait before sharing their diagnosis. Dr. Plutchik stresses that loved ones should respect the patient’s wishes when it comes to disclosing their condition or seeking support.
Communicating with Loved Ones
Navigating conversations about cancer with family and friends can be difficult, as misconceptions and fears often surround the disease. Breast cancer survivor Diane Mapes points out, “People are uncomfortable around cancer, and there’s a lot of fear, ignorance, misunderstandings, and myths around it.”
WATCH: Sharing your diagnosis.
To help make discussions more meaningful, experts suggest the following:
- Acknowledge the diagnosis—Instead of avoiding the topic, ask if they’d like to talk about it.
- Don’t assume they need help—Every patient is different, and some prefer independence.
- Be specific when offering assistance—Concrete gestures, such as driving to appointments or walking a pet, can be more helpful than vague offers.
- Educate yourself—Understanding different cancer stages can prevent awkward moments.
- Avoid platitudes—Phrases like “everything happens for a reason” may not be comforting.
- Don’t suggest unverified treatments—Unless you’re an oncologist, avoid pushing alternative remedies.
- Treat them as the same person—Cancer doesn’t change who they are at their core.
By fostering open, supportive conversations, loved ones can help cancer patients feel understood without overwhelming them.
Help Preparing for Cancer Treatment and Potential Side Effects
Preparing for cancer treatment can be an emotionally overwhelming experience, as patients often grapple with their diagnosis while also anticipating potential side effects. Common treatments—including chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, and surgery—can leave lasting impacts, ranging from fatigue and nausea to hair loss and post-surgical soreness.
WATCH: Dealing With the Side Effects of Cancer Treatment
Although there’s no single prescription for combating cancer-related fatigue, there are several strategies to help restore energy.
- Exercise: Despite seeming counterintuitive, staying active can improve overall well-being. “Although ovarian cancer is not common, we often draw upon the experience of patients with breast cancer and colon cancer that have shown that physical activity can not only improve quality of life but may also have beneficial impacts on cancer outcomes,” says Dr. Renata Urban.
- Healthy Nutrition: While nausea might interfere with eating, maintaining a balanced diet with adequate protein intake is crucial. Proper nourishment supports recovery and boosts energy levels.
- Consistent Sleep: A stable sleep schedule is essential in reducing fatigue. Prioritizing rest ensures that the body heals and maintains energy throughout the day.
Coping with Hair Loss
Chemotherapy often leads to hair loss or thinning, which can be an emotional challenge for many patients. Wigs, head scarves, and hats can help manage this transition, but some patients explore cold therapy (cryotherapy) as a preventive measure.
“Just a fancy way of saying cold therapy,” says Dr. Urban, explaining how cold caps—helmet-like devices cooled between -15 to -40 degrees Fahrenheit—can help minimize hair loss.
WATCH: Living With Cancer Coping With Hair Loss & the Anxiety it Brings
“The caps cause vasoconstriction, or a narrowing of the blood vessels bringing blood to the scalp,” she explains. By restricting blood flow, the amount of chemotherapy reaching the hair follicles decreases, reducing damage. Additionally, cold exposure slows cell division, making follicles less susceptible to treatment effects.
“This has been shown to reduce hair loss by 50 percent,” says Dr. Urban.
Even if hair is lost during treatment, radiation oncologist Dr. James Taylor reassures patients: “If you do lose hair, it will regrow several weeks or months after treatment. Fortunately, for most patients, hair loss is not a concern when having radiation therapy.”
Navigating cancer treatment comes with challenges, but with the right knowledge and coping strategies, patients can find ways to maintain their health and well-being.
Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.
