Coping with grief when someone close to you dies from cancer doesn’t mean getting over the person’s death. It’s about finding ways to live with the loss.
Everyone’s experience of grief is unique, so the information in this section is a general guide only. Although intended to be helpful, some sections may stir up a range of feelings. You may like to read the parts that seem useful now and leave the rest until you’re ready.
We hope this information will answer some of your questions and suggest some ways to cope with your loss. It also includes a section on how to help someone who is grieving.
To learn more about the grief you might feel if you have been diagnosed with cancer, see Emotions and cancer.
Learn more about:
- What grief is
- The experience of grief
- How long it will last
- How to help someone who is grieving
- Seeking support
Listen to our podcast series for people affected by advanced cancer
Kate Jurgens, Bereavement Coordinator, Southern Adelaide Palliative Services, SA; Gabrielle Asprey, Cancer Support Consultant, Cancer Council NSW; A/Prof Lauren Breen, Psychologist, Curtin University, WA; Rev David Dawes, Manager, Spiritual Care Department, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, VIC; Rob Ferguson, Consumer; Karen Hall, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council SA; Joanna Mangan, Psychologist, Cancer Council Queensland; Kate Reed, Nurse Practitioner National Clinical Advisor, Palliative Care Australia; Maxine Rosenfield, Counsellor and Educator, NSW.
View the Cancer Council NSW editorial policy.
Featured resource
Click below to download a PDF booklet on this topic.
Additional resources
Need to talk?
Support services
Caring for someone with cancer
Speak to a health professional or to someone who has been there, or find a support group or forum
Cancer Council Online Community
A community forum – a safe place to share stories, get tips and connect with people who understand
Cancer information
Emotions and cancer
Learn about the range of emotions you may experience if you are affected by cancer
End of life
This information may help you better cope with end of life, or support someone who may be dying with cancer