Coping with cancer

In summary, the manner in which an individual and his or her family and friends adapt to the diagnosis of cancer is quite individual and complicated, and depends on a number of factors. It is important that patients realize that they should acknowledge their feelings to their physicians, family and friends so that these feelings can be validated. In this way they can be helped to find resources to enhance their coping abilities. There are many support groups that are now available for patients in various areas of cancer treatment. Efforts are underway to bring more of these issues to light in medical training so that physicians may be better prepared to strengthen a person's ability to cope with cancer and to live to the fullest extent possible.