When most people are told they have cancer, one of the first questions they have is “Am I going to die?”
For many people, cancer is a very frightening word. It brings to mind stories that we may have all heard – most of which are inaccurate or untrue. In fact many cancers can be cured or controlled for a number of years using modern treatments.
Uncertainty can also result from not knowing exactly what will happen next, or how things may turn out. It can also be difficult for your doctor to predict the exact outcome of your treatment. This is because how well you respond, depends on your general state of health and on the specific type of cancer that you have. The more you find out about your illness and treatment the less anxious you will be.
Another common fear is that cancer is always painful. This is not true. Some cancers cause no physical pain at all. However, if you are in pain, then there are many drugs that can be used to control it. Other methods of pain relief include radiotherapy and nerve blocks.
Remember that the facts are not as frightening as you might imagine. Talk to your doctor about your worries, they should be able to help you. Discuss what you have found out with your family and friends, as they are probably worried too.
