Symptom Specific Services

Recognizing Emotional Distress
Emotional distress is a normal response to a cancer diagnosis. Everyone who discovers they have cancer experiences “distress.” Discovering that you have cancer is an event that changes the rest of your life. A natural response to a cancer diagnosis may include:

• Fear of death

• Fear of pain

• Fear of suffering

• Fear of isolation

• Disruption of body functions, such as eating, breathing, bowel and bladder functions

• Interruption of life plans

• Changes in body image and self-esteem

• Changes in work ability, social role and lifestyle

Some of the symptoms you might have are:

• Sadness or depression

• Worry, nervousness or anxiety

• Changes in the ability to concentrate, remember or think

Our Supportive Services Program helps patients to cope with cancer related emotional distress. Click here for more information.

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