Coping with kidney cancer

It can be very difficult coping with a diagnosis of cancer both practically and emotionally. You are likely to be feeling very upset and confused at first.

You may feel strongly that you need to know why this has happened to you. Unfortunately, doctors cannot tell why one person gets cancer and another doesn't.

As well as coping with the fear and anxiety that a diagnosis of cancer brings, you have to work out how to manage practically. There may be money matters to sort out. Who do you tell that you have cancer? And how do you find the words? There may be children to consider.

Remember - you are not alone. Others have gone through similar experiences. Look in our help and support section for organisations that can help put you in touch with a support group. There are also details of counselling organisations that can tell you more about counselling and help you to find counselling or emotional support in your area.

The coping with cancer section of CancerHelp UK contains lots of information you may find helpful. There are sections on

• Your feelings
• Talking to people: who and what to tell
• Talking to children
• How you can help yourself
• Who else can help you
• Sex and sexuality
• Financial support, including information about benefits and sick pay
• Mortgages, pensions, loans and insurance, including travel insurance
• Coming to the UK from overseas