When you find out that you have cancer, it can be difficult to have the "cancer" conversation with your loved ones. There are numerous ways in which this conversation can be had so that the patients and their families can feel empowered. Read on to learn a few tips for both the cancer patients as well as their loved ones.

Tips for the Cancer Patient

Don't Be Afraid to Ask for Help: Making the decision to tell your loved ones that you have cancer and need to undergo cancer treatment is difficult all on its own, but figuring out what to tell your loved ones is a completely different story. If you need help with this, don't hesitate to ask the staff at your local oncology center. If you think it will be too difficult for you to even tell your loved ones, you can schedule a meeting and the staff can inform your loved ones for you.

Say, "I Have Cancer": It can be overwhelming when you find out that you have cancer. For some, they don't even want to believe it. However, the sooner you come to terms with it, the sooner you will be able to move on with your life. So, start saying that you have cancer. The more that you say this sentence, the easier it will be to accept the fact and move forward in your cancer treatment program.

Tips for the Patient's Loved Ones

It's Okay to Be Shocked: When you find out that your loved one has cancer, you may be taken aback and not know what to say—that's okay. The important thing is that you let your loved one know that you are there for them and are willing to listen to them when they need someone. They need to know that they have a support system throughout their cancer treatment.

Do Your Own Research: As a loved one, it is important to know as much as you can about the cancer that your loved one has. Find out the type of cancer that your loved one has been diagnosed with and ask where you can learn more. In doing so, you can show that you're interested in learning more about the cancer, the treatment, and the experiences that your loved one may go through.

For more information about the "cancer" conversation as well as cancer treatment in general, talk to an oncologist in your area.