1. Your emotions after diagnosis
There’s no right or wrong way to feel after you’ve been diagnosed with breast cancer.
It can be hard to concentrate or carry out normal everyday activities. Some people have physical symptoms such as loss of appetite, diarrhoea or difficulty sleeping.
The days and weeks immediately after a diagnosis can be particularly emotional and may feel overwhelming. Your feelings may change day to day or even hour to hour.
It’s usual to have times when you feel very low, followed by times when things seem more positive.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, it can help to talk to your GP. They can offer support and medication that can help in the short term.
If you’re finding it hard to cope
Many people find it easier to talk someone other than family or friends. Calling our free helpline – see the top or bottom of this page – offers you the chance to talk openly in a safe and confidential space.
Our helpline nurses are used to talking to people who are finding it hard to cope after a breast cancer diagnosis. They can also talk to you about your treatment and what to expect, as well as relevant services or information.
If you prefer to ask a question in writing you can email our nurses – simply scroll to the bottom of this page for more information – or post your question on our forum.
Stress and anxiety
It’s common to feel stressed and anxious after a diagnosis of breast cancer.
This may be your first experience of anxiety, or you may have had anxiety in the past. Your diagnosis, or waiting for more tests or results, could make this worse.
It can be tempting to turn to any usual coping methods, such as alcohol, when you’re feeling stressed or anxious. However, this can often make you feel worse.
There are many ways to reduce stress and anxiety, including:
- Distraction – focusing on things around you, or a hobby or interest, to shut out negative thoughts
- Relaxation, visualisation, mindfulness and meditation – you can use these separately or together to reduce stress and tension
- Exercise – regular physical activity, whether it’s a brisk walk or yoga, can help clear your mind and reduce your stress levels
- One-to-one counselling – explore feelings which can be related to your cancer diagnosis, making them easier to understand and cope with
- Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) – can help you to change patterns of thinking and behaviour that may be stopping you from moving forward
You may also find the following websites useful:
- Anxiety UK
- NHS every mind matters: Feeling anxious?
- Mind: Anxiety and panic attacks
- Can-Empower
Stress and anxiety after a breast cancer diagnosis
Learn about the symptoms of stress and anxiety, how to reduce them, and how you can get support.
Low mood and depression
Most people experience low mood and sadness when they’re diagnosed.
Sometimes a cancer diagnosis can trigger depression.
2. Talking to family, friends and children
If you’re finding it difficult to cope emotionally, you might want to talk to friends or family members about how you’re feeling.
We’ve put together some tips for how to tell family and friends about your cancer.
You can also read our tips on talking with children about breast cancer.
3. Connecting with people who understand
For some people, connecting with others who are in a similar situation can help reduce feelings of isolation, as well as anxiety or fear.
If you've been diagnosed with primary breast cancer, our Someone Like Me service can put you in touch with someone with a similar experience of breast cancer. You can talk through your worries and share experiences over the phone or by email. Scroll down to the end of this page for more information.
On our forum you can exchange tips, ask questions, share your experiences and talk through your concerns.
If you’re aged 18 to 45, our Younger Women Together service will give you specialist support and the chance to meet other younger women diagnosed with breast cancer.
Breast Cancer Now’s videos
Speakers Live
Our Speakers Live is an opportunity to learn more from experts about relevant topics. The events take place in real time over Zoom and you can ask questions by sending them in beforehand, or by typing in the chat box during the event. No cameras or microphones are on during the event.
Speakers Live cover a wide range of topics, such as healthy eating, exercise, hormone treatment, sleep, emotional impact of breast cancer, fertility, returning to work after breast cancer treatment and many more.
Find out more about Speakers Live.
Chats
We have regular live chats on Facebook and Instagram. You can watch these back on our YouTube channel.
4. Coping with life after treatment
Finishing your hospital-based treatment can feel like a real achievement. But many people find it difficult to adjust to life after treatment.
You may find it useful to:
- Read our information on life after treatment
- Consider a Moving Forward course
- Read stories from others who've been through breast cancer
