Lung Cancer Canada

Talking About Your Lung Cancer

It can all be overwhelming, but know you are not alone! It's important to note that there is no right or wrong way to talk to people about your cancer.

Talking About Your Lung Cancer

Lung Cancer Canada offers a variety of programs and support services to assist persons throughout the trajectory of the disease as well as their loved ones. We meet you where you are, and help guide you through the practical, physical, social, and emotional challenges that comes with a lung cancer diagnosis. 

Our Airways of Hope support programs provide therapeutic spaces to share and learn from others in a safe and supportive manner. Several formats exist allowing for you to choose what is best suited to your needs and comfort level. All of our programs come at no cost to you and there is no obligation. 

To register for any of the programs listed below please fill in the form below and someone from our support staff team will contact you withing 5 business days. 

Talking with your healthcare team

Talking with your healthcare team is very important; the information they provide will help you make important decisions about your treatment. Informing your team about relevant matters in your life will help them understand the unique way in which lung cancer affects you. 

Being a new patient and getting introduced to the many healthcare providers who make up your treatment team may be a lot to take in, feelings of fear and anxiety may make it hard to understand and remember what they say during appointments. 

The tips below can help you feel in charge and more prepared during your appointments:

  • Keep a list- Know the names of each member of your cancer care team, their specializations, and their phone numbers.
  • Speak up - If you do not understand something, say so. It might help if you tell your doctor specifically what you need, such as a more detailed explanation or less medical jargon. Check to make sure you have understood correctly. You can say things like “What I hear is that this kind of cancer usually responds better to surgery than chemotherapy or radiation. Am I understanding this correctly?”
  • Ask questions- You will have many questions throughout the various stages of your treatment. Asking questions will help you get the information you need and help you feel more in control.
  • Put it on paper - Jot down the questions you want to ask at your next appointment and take the list with you. Take notes to help you remember what the doctor or nurse said. 
  • Bring a loved one - Bring along a friend or family member who can make notes and help interpret what you were told.
  • Record it - You may find it easier to make an audio recording of your appointments instead of trying to write everything down.  If you choose to do this, always inform your healthcare provider before you hit record.
  • Share- Inform your healthcare team if you want detailed information on all aspects of your medical situation or if you prefer general information only. Let your healthcare team them know who the important people in your life are and to whom they may or may not communicate with.

When you don't want to talk

Although it is very important to keep an open dialogue with your loved ones, it is understandable if you do not want to talk about your health with everyone, or all of the time. You may feel that it is easier if you focus on your activities and keeping busy. In these situations, it is okay to tell people that you do not feel up to talking. In certain situations, it may be easier for you to provide a little bit of information about your health or how you feel and then change the topic. It is your journey and yours to share when you are ready. It is important however, to distinguish the difference between distraction as a healthy coping mechanism from intentionally bottling up your feelings.