A diagnosis of cancer poses a variety of physical and emotional challenges to both patients and family members. Often when treatment is successful, resulting changes in patients' bodies, and sometimes sexual functioning, may affect their self-image and emotional health. Following cancer treatment completion, emotional issues often linger, and are sometimes more prevalent. Additionally, metastatic cancer and palliative treatment pose significant emotional issues for patients and family members about end-of-life.

Common Emotional Concerns Pre and Post Treatment

• Depression & Sadness
• Anxiety, Fear, & Worry
• Sense of Loss
• Anger

• Fear of Recurrence
• Sense of Helplessness
• ​Alterations in Body Image
• Sexual Difficulties

How Does Counseling Help?

Counseling is one of many multi-disciplinary approaches that is available to patients and their family members to better manage the emotional impact of a cancer diagnosis. Some of the benefits of counseling include:

• Increased ability to cope with cancer diagnosis
  
• Increased ability to manage treatment side effects, including anticipatory nausea
  
• Assistance in discussing cancer diagnosis with other family members, including children
  
• Reduction in anxiety and stress
  
• Enhanced coping with end-of-life issues