Most cancer patients don't feel the way they expect to during or after their cancer treatment ends. They definitely need time to recover, physically and emotionally.  A few common feelings are

  • Loneliness
  • Concern about the future
  • Frustration with family and friends
  • Anxiety about checkups
  • Worry about side effects
  • Fear of cancer returning
  • Relief after cancer treatment
  • Worry about financial burdens or returning to work
  • Loss of trust and rage are some of the feelings that people feel.
  • Feel low or depressed

It’s OK to have all of the above-mixed feelings. Also, it is very important that you acknowledge how you are feeling. It may help you to work through your emotions. Here are a few tips to improve your Mental Health and Mood:

  • Get up at the same time each morning, regardless of how you feel. Make a concerted effort to shower and dress.
  • Every day, try to engage in some kind of physical activity; this will help you sleep better and improve your mood.
  • Discuss your feelings and concerns with your closest family members and/or friends. You will decide together what can be done to make you feel better.
  • To relieve some of the stress choose 1 or 2 things at a time that you can start to work on. These should be issues you have control over such as getting back to a healthy weight or your work situation.
  • Tell your general practitioner or cancer care team how you've been feeling at your next appointment. They may be able to offer medications that can help you if it is necessary.
  • Determine if speaking with other survivors would be beneficial. Patients and survivors will benefit from support groups as well as other programs such as art therapy, journaling, meditation, and yoga classes.
  • Consult a mental health professional (psychiatrist, psychologist, social worker, counselor, or therapist) who is familiar with the emotional dimensions of cancer.

Professional counseling assistance is available in the following:

  • Ask your cancer center if they have professional counseling recommendations.
  • The American Society of Psychosocial Oncology (APOS). Psychosocial oncology is concerned with the social, psychological, emotional, and spiritual sides of cancer. To find out if counseling is available in your area, call APOS' Helpline at 1-866-276-7443.
  • CancerCare© offers telephone counseling by trained oncology social workers. Visit www.cancercare.org or call 1-800-813-HOPE (4673)
  • Cancer Support Community offers telephone counseling by trained oncology social workers. Visit www.cancersupportcommunity.com or call their Helpline at 1-888-793-9355.
  • Cancer Information and Counseling Line are available through the University of Colorado Cancer Center. Visit their website or call 1-800-525-3777.
  • Click here to learn about LUNGevity’s Lung Cancer Navigator Mobile App- A mobile app that helps patients manage life after diagnosed with Lung Cancer.
    LUNGevity’s Lung Cancer Navigator Mobile App: It helps patients understand their diagnosis and provides tools and forums for asking questions, detailing symptoms, and managing medications.  The app is a  great way to communicate with their healthcare providers and to request support from friends and family. 


    Click here to download on your Android

    Click here to download on your iPhone


Click here to learn more on "How to Improve Overall Wellbeing"


Reference- Life after cancer treatment: Your feelings | Cancer Council Victoria. (2018). Cancervic.org.au. https://www.cancervic.org.au/living-with-cancer/life-after-treatment/understanding-your-feelings#:~:text=Cancer%20survivors%20often%20experience%20worry

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