How to Mentally (and Physically) Cope with a Breast Cancer Diagnosis

If you’ve been diagnosed with breast cancer, you’ve probably felt an array of emotions ranging from scared and anxious to overwhelmed and confused. It’s completely normal and understandable to feel like your world is crumbling around you, but just because you’ve been diagnosed with breast cancer doesn’t mean you’re in a hopeless situation. According to the Centers for Disease Control, women had much higher rates of getting breast cancer than dying from breast cancer. Additionally, 90% of female breast cancer patients who were diagnosed from 2012 to 2018 had not died from their cancer five years later (regular screenings can also help with early detection and increase the survival rate).

But while there is a larger chance of surviving breast cancer, especially the earlier it’s caught, it’s no secret that living with that kind of diagnosis takes a toll of its own. That’s why it’s more crucial than ever to develop coping strategies to help make this stressful time easier. The Mayo Clinic suggests activities such as keeping a journal to help organize your thoughts or practicing relaxation techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, or aromatherapy. But it’s important to remember that because each person and each diagnosis is different, finding the right strategy for you makes all the difference. Below, read some of our suggestions for coping with a breast cancer diagnosis.

Educate yourself 

One of the reasons, the word “cancer” is so scary is because a lot of people don’t much about it. And why would they? Some people prefer to live by the motto “ignorance is bliss,” but when it comes to your health and diagnosis, having all the information can actually feel empowering. To help obtain as much information about your diagnosis as possible, write down your questions and concerns beforehand and bring them with you to your doctor’s visit. You can ask questions such as what are the side effects of treatment, what treatment options are available, and what you can expect during the treatment process. There are also online forums comprised of cancer patients and survivors that can help shed light on life post-diagnosis.

Find the support you need 

Online forums can also be a great source of support and community. Beyond that, family support is also crucial during this time. “Having family support and knowing that there are things you can do to help yourself is really important,” says Dr. Gretchen Kimmick, an oncologist at Duke Cancer Center Breast Clinic. “There are also programs that do cognitive-behavioral training on how to cope with stress and coping skills training that are very helpful as well. So if your initial support structure isn’t enough for you, there’s always extra support available.” “It is overwhelming. Usually, people haven’t faced something like cancer before, which is something they know can threaten people’s lives, and that’s a scary thing. But as patients go through the process and find a support system and a medical team,  things settle down, and they become on a mission to treat it,” Dr. Kimmick adds.

Do things you enjoy 

A breast cancer diagnosis essentially turns your life upside down, which is all the more reason to continue to do the things you love and that make you happy. Whether it’s gardening, painting, writing, or playing an instrument, don’t let a cancer diagnosis stop you from living your life. The Mayo Clinic even notes that participating in enjoyable activities may also help patients cope with breast cancer.

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