Understand illness
Topics covered on this page:
How does this affect me?
Being diagnosed with cancer can mean you are sorting through new and complex information. This can feel stressful when information isn’t clear to you. It’s normal to feel that way. You and your family might want to learn as much as you can about the diagnosis and what to expect.
Finding the right information can help you to:
- feel more confident and in control
- decrease those feelings of stress
- participate in your care more actively
- be better able to consider your options
- think of questions for your healthcare team
- feel less alone and put your mind at ease
What can I do to learn more about my illness and treatment?
It is important to voice your personal needs for information. Information should be tailored to your expectations and preferences, as well as to the diagnosis and clinical situation. You may notice that the level of information you need changes over time, for example, during and after treatment. The information may be specific to the type and stage of cancer, treatment, and prognosis. It may also be related to rehabilitation, reaching and maintaining better health, coping, and financial/legal concerns. Information is key to successful self-management, promoting an improvement in your health.
First, figure out the amount of information you want:
Do you need to know everything or do you prefer just enough information to make an informed decision?
- Make sure to let other people know the kind of information you want, so they don’t give you more than you want.
- If someone gives you a booklet or DVD about cancer, it’s ok to put it aside for later. If ever you change your mind, that can become a handy resource later on.
Find information from reliable sources:
Only read information from trusted sources. For example, these can be pamphlets from your clinic, or information from the Canadian Cancer Society. Let your healthcare professionals know that you would like information to help you better manage treatment and your health.
- Use the internet with caution. Unless the information is from a reliable resource, it may not be accurate or current. Try public, non-profit websites. See the section Where can I find help? for more information.
- For information about different types of cancers and treatments (for example, chemotherapy or radiation therapy), see the Resources section.
What help do I need?
A question checklist is a great way to reduce anxiety about remembering what you want to say. Writing your list of questions can help you get the most out of your time. This can help to make sure all your concerns are addressed. You can also ask the doctor or their assistant if you can email them your list ahead of time. That way they know what you need in advance. Some examples of questions you may have:
- Type of cancer, stage?
- Symptoms of cancer?
- Chance of cure, recurrence?
- Available treatment options?
- Side effects/benefits of treatment?
- Getting a second opinion?
- Alternative and complementary treatments?
- Available resources (dietitian, social worker, community clinic…)?
If you have many questions, mention it when booking your appointment! They can often schedule more time for you.
Your loved ones or caregivers might want to join you during your appointments. There is a lot of new information to take in. It can be helpful to have someone with you to listen and take notes, provide moral support or help speak up about your needs.
For more information see Getting Support.
Where can I find help?
The following sources can help you find the resources you need.
This can include your oncologist, psycho-social team (psychologist, social worker, supportive care), nurse or family doctor. If one person on the team can’t answer your questions, they will help you find someone who can. If you are having a difficult time making sense of something your healthcare professional has told you, don’t feel shy to ask for help:
- You can ask them to explain further
- Ask for a summary
- Repeat what you’ve heard in your own words to make sure you’ve understood correctly
Ask someone you trust to gather or keep information for you. They can help you search for information at the library or through cancer organizations.
Canada has many agencies working to fight cancer while supporting patients and families. They usually have many resources to share. You can start with the Canadian Cancer Society. To find a support group in your community, you can call 1-800-265-6750. To access the main webpage visit www.cancer.ca.
For a checklist of questions, you can ask your healthcare team visit Questions to ask about treatment.
To join the virtual community or join a free support group visit CancerConnection.ca.
The Foundation provides a resource directory where you can search for the organizations near you offering a variety of services including home help, lodging, transportation, and other supportive resources.
You can use the internet to build knowledge on cancer. To save time, here are a few ways to filter through the most useful information:
- Look for a trusted source. For example, a government agency, university, research organization or medical institution. Be cautious of information sponsored by someone who is looking to make a profit.
- Make sure you really understand the language being used.
- Check that your information is recent, meaning it is up to date.
- Question whether something sounds too good to be true. If it does, then it probably is. Bring this up with a health professional to double-check!
- You can also use online chat rooms to connect with other people going through a similar experience.
- If you prefer books to the internet, you can take out a book, journal or a movie from the library.
- If you would like to search the internet but don’t have access at home, you can try using the computers at your local library.
- If you aren’t used to using computers, then a family, friend or librarian can help.
Everyone’s life and cancer experience is different. However, it might help to share thoughts, concerns and ideas with someone who has lived through a similar situation. Here are a few ideas on where to find someone to connect with:
- Cancer-related organizations like the Canadian Cancer Society or Quebec Cancer Foundation.
- Support groups. You can ask your healthcare team to connect you with this.
- A family member or colleague may know someone who has had cancer who can share their experience.
For more information see Getting support.
What can I do to look after myself?
Keeping up healthy habits can help your overall wellbeing and decrease anxiety as you take the time to learn and process all this new information. For more information see Looking after yourself.
- You might need more energy or calories during treatment to maintain your weight.
- Drink plenty of liquids so you don’t get dehydrated, especially on days when you are unable to eat.
- Protein can help your body heal and maintain a healthy immune system. Protein is found in fish, poultry, eggs, nuts, dried beans, lean red meat.
- Check with your healthcare team to find out if there are any foods or beverages that you should avoid because of your cancer or treatment.
- Ask if there is a dietitian who can help you with healthy eating.
- For further information see Looking after yourself.
- In general it is fine to exercise during treatment, but check with your healthcare team before starting any exercise.
- Physical activity can improve your sleep and appetite and lessen treatment side-effects like nausea and fatigue.
- Choose an activity or exercise that you enjoy doing or would like to try. Find one that you can fit into your schedule without too much difficulty.
A good night’s sleep can help your body and mind feel better.
- Try to keep a regular bedtime routine and minimize distractions before going to bed. For example, turn off your electronics and choose a quiet place to sleep.
- Avoid drinking caffeine or alcohol close to bedtime.
- Try relaxation strategies before you go to bed or listen to soothing music.
Resources
For more information on understanding your illness and treatment, check out the resources below.
Government of Quebec – Info-Santé Telehealth line (8-1-1)
De Souza Institute – Cancer Chat Canada
Cancer Care Manitoba – Anticancer Drug Therapy (Chemotherapy & Other)
Quebec Cancer Foundation – Chemotherapy
Quebec Cancer Foundation – Radiotherapy
Quebec Cancer Foundation – Side Effects
Acknowledgement of sources
The content of this document has been adapted from the following sources:
- Understanding the Diagnosis and Treatment to Make a Decision. TEMPO. 2018.
- Getting More Information About Cancer and Treatment. TEMPO. 2018.
- What Can I Do To Look After Myself. Canadian Cancer Society 2020.
Healthcare professional endorsement
The content of this document has been reviewed and approved by a team of healthcare professionals and clinical experts.
Disclaimer
Please note that this fact sheet is not intended as a substitute for consultation with a healthcare professional. Rather, it was designed to complement interventions by your treating team. If you have questions about your health, or any medical issue, you should contact a healthcare professional right away. You should not delay seeking medical advice, or disregard professional medical advice, because of information in this fact sheet. Before beginning any health treatment, always consult your doctor. All care has been taken to ensure that the information contained in this document is accurate at the time of publication. e-IMPAQc is not responsible for any injury or damage to persons or property arising out of, or related to, any use of the fact sheet, or because of any errors or omissions.
Reproduction and copyright
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