There may be times when you want to be alone with your thoughts. However, at other times being able to share your feelings can be a relief.

Patient support groups can put you in touch with other people having similar treatment. Talking with other people can be a good way of discussing feelings, and you can also pick up some useful coping tips. We can give you details of your local support groups.

Our section on talking about your cancer may also help you to find ways of discussing your cancer.

Family and friends often want to help you. However, they may find it difficult to grasp exactly what you are going through. Good communication is really important. Just at a time when you feel your friends and family should be helping, they may stand back and wait for you to make the first move. This is often because they are worried they may say the wrong thing, or they think you may want to cope alone. They may also be feeling quite emotional themselves.

Be open and honest about how your treatment is going and how you feel about it. In that way, misunderstandings can be avoided and others are given the chance to show their love and support.

Our section on talking to someone with cancer looks at the difficulties people may have when talking about cancer.

Many people find that counselling can help them to face the problems of living with cancer. Counsellors help people talk through and sort out problems and confusion. Emotional difficulties linked to cancer are not always easy to talk about and are often hardest to share with the people you are closest to. Talking with a trained counsellor who is not personally involved in your situation can help to untangle thoughts, feelings and ideas.

Our cancer support service can give you and your family information about all aspects of cancer and chemotherapy, including the practical and emotional problems of living with them.