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Some people become caregivers gradually – their loved ones develop symptoms slowly, or may need several tests before the cancer is diagnosed. Others become a caregiver more suddenly. Either way, a cancer diagnosis often brings an unexpected change in one’s life. As a result, caregivers seldom have the chance to get their own lives in order prior to becoming a caregiver.

A person with cancer will usually consult with many health care professionals throughout his or her treatment and follow up care. Cancer is generally treated using a multidisciplinary approach, which means the members of your health care team with different areas of expertise will work together to discuss treatment options and make decisions.

“It’s frightening to hear someone talk about cancer, and we automatically think about ourselves. But try to keep your own feelings in check and focus on the person who has been diagnosed. You don’t have to fix this situation or say something profound, just being there is huge.”

CancerCare oncology social worker Sarah Kelly, LCSW, comments on the frequently asked question of what to say to someone who has been diagnosed with cancer, and what kind of comments to avoid.

When coping with a cancer diagnosis, good communication with your health care team may make a big difference in your care. Communication may build trust between you and your health care team, and improve the level of care you receive. CancerCare intern Alessandra Newton offers some tips and suggestions to help build a better relationship between you and your health care team.

A wholesome and nourishing diet plays an essential part in your overall health. This is especially true when coping with cancer. However, it can be difficult to maintain a healthy diet while managing the side effects of chemo. Luckily, there are steps you can take which will help you remain strong and healthy throughout your chemotherapy treatment.

Anxiety is very common among people with cancer. For some it occurs when they wake up, and for others, as they try to go to sleep.

CancerCare’s Men’s Cancers Program Director, Richard Dickens, MS, LCSW-R, addresses three common concerns that can interfere with sleep, and offers tips to reduce anxiety and help you get a good night’s rest.

Coping can be challenging when you or a loved one is diagnosed with cancer. If you are in distress, it may be difficult to perform everyday tasks, keep up with treatments or care for yourself. Throughout the treatment process, some people may decide to incorporate integrative techniques into their lives to cope. Integrative medicine helps manage symptoms and side effects using different therapies along with standard cancer treatment. Common side effects of cancer treatment include fatigue, psychological distress, nausea, and pain. An integrative approach may help you.

CancerCare is thrilled to announce the start of a new program, CancerCare Canines, in collaboration with New York Therapy Animals, an affiliate group of Intermountain Therapy Animals. Our first workshop on July 21 will provide an opportunity for patients, caregivers, survivors, people who have experienced the loss of a loved one and healthcare professionals to interact with an animal assisted therapy team.

From July 16-18, CancerCare will be at BlogHer 2015, the world’s largest conference for women content creators, doing what we do best: encouraging others to talk about cancer. To learn more, visit us at Booth 2004, or join us tomorrow at 1:30 pm for a Twitterstorm, where CancerCare and our partners will be tweeting information about Pillow Talk and the importance of starting conversations about cancer: follow #CancerTalk.

As many patients and families know all too well, a cancer diagnosis can make the daily challenges that once seemed relatively simple suddenly become overwhelming. At CancerCare, we strive to provide assistance to people with cancer that can help cover costs related to treatment, to ease some of that extra burden and provide peace of mind.

That is why we are extremely pleased to share that CancerCare has received $1.5 million from Susan G. Komen to assist people diagnosed with breast cancer.