1. Dealing with your emotions
There’s no right or wrong way to feel after a diagnosis of breast cancer.
You’ll probably go through many emotions, from fear, shock and anger to disbelief, sadness and numbness.
Your emotions 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.
The days and weeks immediately after a diagnosis can be particularly emotional and feel overwhelming.
Many people start to feel a bit calmer or less anxious once they have been told about their treatment plan.
Things you can try that may help you cope
- Think about how you coped with previous trauma or stress – you could try using these methods again now
- Use your breast care nurse – they can help you understand your diagnosis and treatment options and support you during your treatment and beyond
- Be kind to yourself – it may help to take time to rest, eat healthily, keep active and, when you can, do something you enjoy
- Talk to family and friends about how you’re feeling – you might like to read our tips on telling family and friends about your cancer, in section 4 of this page
2. If you’re feeling overwhelmed
It’s normal to feel overwhelmed when you’ve been diagnosed with cancer.
It can be hard to think straight or carry out normal everyday activities.
Some people have physical symptoms such as loss of appetite, diarrhoea or difficulty sleeping.
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.
Call our helpline
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, without worrying about upsetting or protecting those close to you.
Our helpline staff are used to talking to people who are finding it hard to cope after a breast cancer diagnosis.
We’re used to hearing all sorts of reactions – nothing is surprising or unusual.
Calls are answered by an experienced breast care nurse or one of our trained staff who have a personal or work-related experience of breast cancer.
Whatever your reason for calling, we’ll respond in a friendly, understanding and professional way.
Our helpline staff can also talk to you about your treatment and what to expect, as well as relevant services or information.
If you prefer to communicate by writing you can email our nurses - simply scroll to the bottom of this page for more information - or post your question on our forum.
3. Look after your mental health
Mental health toolkit
We’ve pulled together information, tips and real life stories that could help if you’re finding it hard to cope.
Check out our life after treatment page for more information.
Stress and anxiety
It’s common to feel stressed and anxious after a diagnosis of breast cancer.
Some people experience anxiety for the first time. Others may have had anxiety in the past, and their cancer diagnosis can make their anxiety worse. There are many ways to reduce stress and anxiety. We've got more information to help you.
You may also find the following websites useful:
- Anxiety UK
- NHS every mind matters: Feeling anxious?
- Mind: Anxiety and panic attacks
Stress and anxiety
Read our advice on managing stress and anxiety and find out where to get more support.
Low mood and depression
Most people experience low moods and sadness when they’re diagnosed.
Sometimes a cancer diagnosis can trigger depression.
4. 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.
5. Dealing with isolation
Feeling lonely or isolated is very common.
You may feel lonely even when you’re surrounded by family and friends. If they haven’t experienced cancer themselves, you might feel like they don’t understand what you’re going through.
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. Simply scroll down to the end of this page for more information.
Our online forum lets you exchange tips on coping, ask questions, share experiences and talk through concerns online.
6. 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
- Download our free Becca app for real-life stories and tips on life with and beyond primary breast cancer - see the bottom of this page for more information
- Consider a Moving Forward course
- Read stories from others who've been through breast cancer
