When you are dealing with cancer, you might feel that you just want to shut the whole thing out of your mind, and pull the bedclothes over your head until everything is all right. You might not want to talk to anyone.

However, the hints in this section can help you to make real contact with your friends. You may be quite surprised – and pleased – with the changes that can be brought about by simply talking and communicating.

The emotional contact between you and your friends affects many of the most important aspects of your life. The closer you are to someone, the more meaning you will see in your life and the way you lead it. Some people say that being diagnosed with cancer had some unexpected benefits. For some people a crisis or a challenge can help them sort out what really matters in their lives; to decide who is a real friend and who isn’t, and how they want to spend their time.

Talking about your cancer can help you to become closer to the people who matter to you and can help you to cope with the difficulties that cancer can cause.