Newly Diagnosed

You Don't Have To Figure Everything Out Today

Being told you have cancer can make the road ahead suddenly feel very big.

There may be appointments to arrange, unfamiliar words to understand, decisions to make and emotions that seem to change from one moment to the next. You don’t need to tackle all of that at once.

This is a place to start. Take what feels useful today, leave what doesn’t, and come back whenever you need to.

ONE STEP AT A TIME

You Don’t Need to Have Everything Figured Out

A cancer diagnosis can bring a huge amount of information, emotion and uncertainty all at once. Try not to put pressure on yourself to understand everything immediately. Focus on the next question, the next appointment or simply what you need today. Small steps are still progress, and it is completely okay to take things at your own pace.

WHAT YOU CAN CONTROL

Put Your Energy Where It Can Help

There will be parts of cancer that sit completely outside your control, but there are still choices you can make along the way. You can ask questions, seek support, tell your medical team when something is unclear and decide who you want around you. The aim is not to do everything perfectly, but to feel a little more involved in what comes next.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT

Understanding What Comes
After A Diagnosis

Every cancer journey is different, but after a diagnosis there are usually a few stages that help your healthcare team understand more about the cancer and plan the most appropriate treatment for you.

 

More Tests

You may need further scans, blood tests or other investigations to give your team more information about the type of cancer, where it is and whether it has spread.

 

Team Review

Your results are usually reviewed by a multidisciplinary team, or MDT, made up of healthcare professionals from different areas of cancer care. Together, they discuss your individual circumstances and treatment options.

 

Treatment Plan

Once the team has the information they need, your specialist will talk you through the recommended treatment, what it involves and the possible benefits and side effects. This is also your opportunity to ask questions and discuss what matters to you.

YOUR NEXT STEPS

A Few Practical Things That Can Help Right Now

You don’t need to organise everything immediately, but these simple steps can make the next few appointments and conversations feel a little easier to manage.

Know Your Contact

Find out who your main point of contact is, often a Clinical Nurse Specialist, and save their details somewhere easy to find.

Keep Questions

Write questions down as they come to you. Ask about anything you don’t understand, including your diagnosis, further tests, treatment options and what happens next.

Take Notes

Keep appointment letters, test information, medication details and useful phone numbers together. Taking notes during appointments can also help when there is a lot to remember.

Bring Someone

If you’d find it helpful, ask someone you trust to come to appointments with you. They can listen, take notes and help you remember what was discussed afterwards.

Understand Next Steps

Before leaving an appointment, try to know what happens next, whether more tests are needed, when you should expect to hear from the team and who to contact if you have questions.

Ask for Support

Tell your healthcare team if you’re struggling emotionally, practically or financially. They may be able to connect you with additional support rather than leaving you to find it alone.

Newly Diagnosed

It's Okay Not To Know

What Happens Next What Questions To Ask How You Should Feel Where To Start
You don’t need all the answers today. Start with the next question, appointment or step in front of you.