Cancer Diagnosis

If you’ve found yourself on this page, maybe you have cancer, you know someone who has, or you just want to educate yourself. Whatever the reason, you are not alone and we are here to help. Let’s get started by understanding a bit more about receiving a cancer diagnosis.

RecEIving a cancer diagnosis

Receiving a cancer diagnosis can be an overwhelming and life-altering experience. It's natural to feel a whirlwind of emotions—shock, fear, confusion, and even disbelief. This initial stage is often accompanied by a flood of information, which can be difficult to process. The first step after a diagnosis is usually meeting with your doctor to understand the specifics of your condition, including the type and stage of cancer. It’s crucial to ask questions and take notes or bring a trusted friend or family member who can help you absorb the details. Remember, it’s okay to ask your healthcare team to explain things multiple times—they are there to support you.

Once the diagnosis is confirmed, your doctor will likely outline a treatment plan tailored to your needs. This might involve additional tests, consultations with specialists, or discussions about options such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or targeted therapies. It’s also a good time to seek a second opinion if you feel uncertain or need reassurance about your care plan. Beyond the medical aspect, consider reaching out for emotional and psychological support. Talking with loved ones, joining support groups, or connecting with counselors can help you process your feelings and find strength during this challenging time. You are not alone, and resources are available to guide you every step of the way.

SUPPORTING OTHERS

Supporting someone who has received a cancer diagnosis requires sensitivity, empathy, and patience. The most important thing you can do is listen—allow them to share their feelings and fears without judgment or rushing to offer solutions. Avoid making assumptions about how they should feel or what they should do; instead, ask open-ended questions like, "How can I best support you right now?" Practical help can also make a significant difference—offering to drive them to appointments, preparing meals, or assisting with household tasks can ease their burden. Be mindful of their energy levels and emotional needs, respecting their desire for space or company as they navigate their journey. Simply being present and consistent in your support can provide a sense of stability and comfort during an uncertain time.

People with cancer often feel a profound desire to protect those around them, especially their loved ones, from the emotional weight of their diagnosis. They might downplay their struggles or keep their hardest moments private, not wanting to cause worry or sadness. This tendency to "be strong" for others can lead to feelings of isolation or emotional exhaustion, as they navigate their challenges while also trying to support those they care about. It’s important to remind them that they don’t have to carry this burden alone and that it’s okay to let others see their vulnerability. Creating a space where they feel safe to share openly—without fear of judgment or feeling like a burden—can help alleviate this pressure and foster deeper connections during a difficult time.

Practical Tips

Practice self-care. Self-care and looking after your mental health can mean something different for everyone. Good nutrition not only impacts your physical health but also your mental health and well-being. Following a healthy lifestyle can also lead to better stress management, productivity and concentration levels and improved sleep.

Here are some practical and manageable ideas::

• Start your day with sunlight and gentle stretches to set a positive tone.

• Take moments to enjoy nature, read an inspiring book, or listen to a podcast.

• On good days, celebrate the small wins; on tough days, give yourself grace to rest.

• Prioritize healthy eating, regular movement, and adequate sleep.

• Connect with loved ones, whether through a phone call, a visit, or simply sharing time together.

• Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing or enjoy soothing activities like a hot bath, a funny movie, or a massage.

Additional Practical Suggestions for while you are preparing for treatment.

• Prepare for treatment by organizing bills, meals, and transportation ahead of time.

• Create a support system, including friends or a “Cancer Buddy” for treatment visits.

• Pack a “distraction box” with comforting or uplifting items like photos, music, or notes.

• Maintain your health by scheduling a dentist visit before treatment and using natural moisturizers to combat dryness during chemo.

• Talk to someone you trust about your feelings or keep a journal to process your emotions.

• Avoid alcohol or non-prescription drugs and consult your doctor before changing any medications.

By incorporating even a few of these ideas, you can build a foundation for strength and resilience during challenging times.

Get around people. Living with cancer is incredibly difficult to deal with and can bring a lot of stress; but you don’t need to do it alone. It’s important to have people in your life who you can talk to, to help release your stress. Even if they can’t help you, it’s amazing how much good it can do to just talk to a friend and let them care for you. Try reaching out to family or friends and letting them know what’s going on. If you know someone who is going through a cancer diagnosis, make sure you reach out to let them know you are there for them.

Seek professional support. Though friends are incredibly helpful in providing emotional support, professionals are equipped to provide you with the tools and guidance to help you with a cancer diagnosis.

HERE ARE SOME MORE USEFUL RESOURCES

Apps to Download

Websites + Articles

Breathing exercises - relieve stress

Hair Loss Solutions: Headwear & Wigs www.starkles.com.au | www.JasFashion.com.au | Eyebrows www.lgfb.org.au

Christian Post - Christine Caine Reveals She Had Cancer

Books

Finding the "CAN" in Cancer by 4 cancer survivors

Hope Beyond Cure by David McDonald
Praying Through Cancer by Susan Sorenson
God’s Prescription for Divine Health by Gloria Copeland

ORGANISATIONS to connect with

• Cancer Council - is a charity that works across every area of cancer, from research to prevention and support.  Provide subsidised accommodation, online community support, provide transport for people with cancer and their carers, provide legal and financial advice also a Pro Bono Program, provide wigs and headwear, online visits, 695 support groups and a huge supply of booklets and publications on every type of cancer and support for cancer patients and their carers.   They also have a prevention policy, early detection policy, clinical practice policy and supportive care policy.  Phone: 13 11 20

• Canteen - Support for teenagers (12-25 years old)  with cancer.  Provide online connection with other young people, counselling and individual support, peer support and programs, get information relevant for you, get specialist treatment.  Canteen is also part of the headtohealth.gov.au providing digital mental health service.  Phone: 1800 835 932

• Childhood Cancer Support - Childhood Cancer Support is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to providing families affected by childhood cancer with a place to live that looks and feels like home.  Contact: 87 Annerley Road, Woollongabba, Monday- Friday 8:30 a.m.-4:30p.m. Phone:  3844 5000  Mostly for regional families whilst their child is receiving life-saving cancer treatment in Brisbane at the Queensland Children’s Hospital.  Short-term accommodation in Woolloongabba, long-term accommodation in South Brisbane and long-term accommodation in Herston.

• Australian Government Cancer Australia - DO NOT provide individual support.  Reducing the impact of cancer for all Australians.  Organisation’s functions are:  Knowledge Management, Service Development and Clinical Practice, Health Professional education, Cancer Care, Health Promotion and Communication, Corporate Affairs, Policy, Strategy and Public Reporting, Finance and Compliance.  Phone: 1800 624 973 or 02-9357 9400.

• Leukaemia Foundation -  Accommodation during treatment.  Emotional support services.  Information and education services.  Support groups.  Open Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4:45 p.m.  Phone: 1800 620 420

• Melanoma Patients Australia - Provide patient-focussed services for all Australians affected by melanoma.  They provide information, guidance, support and assistance for family, friends and carers of those affected by melanoma.  The service they provide include:  Information, peer to peer support, emotional support and information (including referrals to professional counselling and psychological support, advocating and research.  Phone: 1300 884 450

• Breast Cancer Network Australia - Patients login to the My Journey online tool and it will provide specific information for each type of breast cancer treatment. Phone 1800 500 258 Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) works to ensure that Australians affected by breast cancer receive the very best support, information, treatment and care appropriate to their individual needs.

• Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA) - Not for profit, providing online support.  Phone 1800 22 00 99 or enquiries@pcfa.org.au

• McGrath Foundation - Telephone support service: 1800 183 338.  Providing support to breast cancer patients.  They raise money to fund McGrath Breast Care Nurses who provide invaluable support and care to women and men experiencing breast cancer.  Breast cancer Nurses are available to help individuals and their families for free and with no referral.  Phone: 02 8962 6100  enquiries@mcgrathfoundation.com.au 

• Look Good Feel Better - Look Good Feel Better workshops are designed to help with managing the physical, psychological and social impacts of cancer treatment. They are open to all Australians undergoing any type of treatment for any type of cancer. Available either face-to-face or virtually. Phone: 1800 650 960

FAITH-BASED RESOURCES AND SUPPORT

Prayer 

A Healing Petition:

Thank you Father You are for me so who can be against me? Nothing shall separate me from your love which makes me more than a conqueror. Jesus, you bore the curse for me; therefore I forbid growths and tumours to inhabit my body. The life of God within me dissolves growths and tumours, and my health and strength are being renewed. Every organ, cell and tissue of my body operates in the perfection that God created it to function. I forbid any malfunction in my body or immune system, in Jesus Name!

Scripture: Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers. (3 John 2)
Who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness – by whose stripes you were healed. (1 Peter 2:24)

Prayer for Freedom from Fear: (Read Psalm 112)

Thank you Father that you do not give me a spirit of fear but of power and love and a sound mind. Thank you that You are always with me, I will not fret or have anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in every situation, I will make my requests known to You and you shall guard my heart and mind in Christ Jesus. Lord, I fix my heart, trusting in you. I am not afraid of evil reports. I release faith, not fear. I stand on your Word. I thank you that I walk in faith because you are on my side. Thank you for the hedge of protection that you bring in response to my faith. And I thank you, that because of Jesus, the spotless lamb of God, bearing my sin and sheading his perfect blood, and the power of the cross I can confidently trust in Your peace and safety for my life and future.

Scripture: Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)
Thank you God that you do not give me a spirit of fear but of power and love and a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:7)

Prayer for Doctors and Nurses:

Father God, I thank you for the doctors, nurses and healthcare workers you have provided. I thank you for divine appointments that you schedule their rosters and surround me with the best care. I pray for them that they would experience your love and presence around my life. I ask You to guide the surgeon’s hands and touch them with the power of healing. May they be directed to the right treatments and guided by your Holy Spirit.

Scripture: My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19)

Prayer for Strength: Father, I know that Your grace is sufficient for me but at the moment I feel overwhelmed. Thank you that this day, this hour, moment by moment, I can choose to lean on You.
Scripture: But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you. (Romans 8:11)

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13)

Scriptures

• Bless the Lord O my soul: and all that is within me, bless His Holy Name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities; who heals all your diseases; who redeems your life from destruction; who crowns you with loving kindness and tender mercies; who satisfies your mouth with good things; so that your youth is renewed like the eagles. - Psalm 103:1-5

• Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you - 1 Peter 5:7

• I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. - Philippians 4:12-13

• Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved, for You are my praise. - Jeremiah 17:14

• For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother's womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well. My frame was not hidden from You, When I was made in secret, And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, The days fashioned for me, When as yet there were none of them. - Psalm 139:13-16

Inspiring Messages

• Darlene Zschech - Journey Through The Valley of Cancer

• Joyce Meyer’s Breast Cancer Story

• Jentezen Franklin The God of the Impossible

• TD Jakes - God is With You in the Battle