- Cancer Information
- After Diagnosis
After Diagnosis
What may happen next and where to find information and support.
Finding out that you have cancer can be quite frightening. You may have questions, or you may need time to digest the news gradually. There is no right or wrong way to feel. When you feel ready, the information below may help you understand what may happen next and where you can find support.
What happens next?
After a cancer diagnosis, you will usually meet a cancer doctor or specialist nurse to discuss your diagnosis and treatment options.
How soon this appointment takes place may depend on the type of cancer you have. You will usually receive the appointment details by letter, telephone, or text message. If you are worried that you may have missed the details, contact your GP or the healthcare professional who arranged your cancer tests.
At the appointment, your doctor or specialist nurse will:
- explain your diagnosis
- talk to you about your treatment options
- explain when treatment may start
- answer your questions
- discuss any support you may need
You should receive information in a language and format that you can understand. If anything is unclear, it is okay to ask the healthcare professional to explain it again.
Making treatment decisions
Your healthcare team will explain the possible treatments and help you understand their benefits and risks. You do not have to make decisions on your own. You can ask questions and take time to discuss what matters to you.
It may help to:
- write down your questions before your appointment
- take someone you trust with you
- ask for written information
- ask who to contact if you have questions later
Getting support
A cancer diagnosis can bring many different feelings and worries. You may feel shocked, frightened, angry, confused, or overwhelmed. However, you feel you do not have to manage everything on your own.
Your GP, cancer doctor. specialist nurses, other members of your health care team or your local Macmillan Information and Support Centre can listen to your concerns and help you find emotional, practical, or financial support. Talking to family members, friends, or someone else you trust may also help.
For information, advice or someone to talk to:
- Call the Macmillan Support Line for free on 0808 808 00 00.
Finding reliable information
You may want to find out more about your type of cancer before your next appointment. Reliable information can help you prepare questions and understand what may happen next.
General information may not always apply to your individual diagnosis. If something worries or confuses you, speak to your cancer doctor or specialist nurse. You may also prefer to wait until your appointment so that the information you receive is specific to your situation.