Communication
More information
- Relationships and Cancer (Cancer.Net)
- Talking with Friends and Relatives About Your Cancer
(American Cancer Society) - How Do I Talk to People About My Diagnosis? (American Cancer Society)
- How To Evaluate Health Information on the Internet: Questions and Answers
(National Cancer Institute)
One of the best tools to help cancer is communication. There are two parts to effective communication, talking and listening. Openly telling your doctors and nurses how you feel helps them to take better care of you. Listen to your doctors’ or nurses' advice. Follow up with your doctors and nurses by telling them what is helping and what is not helping you.
Communication with family and friends is also important. Talk to your family and friends about how you feel, what you are thinking about, and how they can help you talk and listen to them, and how they can help you talk and listen to your doctors or nurses.
Ask for help when you need it. Others may be able to help get the things that you need. Family, friends, co-workers, doctors and nurses can support you as you go through this experience.
Click on a link below for tips that may help you talk to your doctor, family, and friends: