Living with a CUP diagnosis

When you are first diagnosed with CUP, and throughout the different stages of treatment, you may experience a range of emotions. You may also find that some people are supportive, but others don’t know what to say to you. This can be difficult and leave you feeling confused and upset.

Learn more about:

• Coping with a CUP diagnosis
• How you might feel
• Practical support
• Looking after yourself

Coping with a CUP diagnosis

Many people with CUP find it hard to believe that the primary cancer can’t be located. The “unknown” aspect of the disease can make them feel scared and lonely, as well as frustrated when they are looking for information and support.

For many people with CUP, the cancer cannot be cured. Talking to your health care team can help you understand your situation and plan for your future care. Palliative treatments may stop the cancer growing and allow you to continue doing the things you enjoy for months or even several years.

It may help to talk about your feelings. Your partner and your family members and friends can be good sources of support, or you might prefer to talk to members of your treatment or palliative care team; a social worker, psychologist or counsellor; or your spiritual adviser.

Cancer Council 13 11 20 can help you connect with other people who are living with advanced cancer, and provide you with information about the emotional and practical aspects of living with CUP.

For more on this, see Living with advanced cancer and listen to The Thing About Advanced Cancer podcast.

How you might feel

Being diagnosed with CUP can be stressful. It is natural to have a wide variety of emotions, including anxiety, anger, fear, sadness and resentment. These feelings may become stronger over time as you adjust to the side effects of treatment.

Everyone has their own ways of coping. There is no right or wrong way. It is important to give yourself time to deal with the emotions that a cancer diagnosis can cause.

If you have continued feelings of sadness, have trouble getting up in the morning or have lost motivation to do things that previously gave you pleasure, you may be experiencing depression. This is quite common among people who have cancer.

If you think you may be depressed or feel that your emotions are affecting your day-to-day life, talk to your GP. Counselling or medication – even for a short time – may help. Some people can get a Medicare rebate for sessions with a psychologist. Cancer Council may also run a counselling program in your area.

For information about coping with depression and anxiety, call Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636. For 24-hour crisis support, call Lifeline 13 11 14.

Practical support

A cancer diagnosis can affect every aspect of your life and may create practical and financial issues. There are many sources of support to help you, your family and carers navigate the cancer experience. These include benefits and programs to ease the financial impact; home care services; aids and appliances; support groups; and counselling services.

Availability of services may vary depending on where you live, and some services will be free but others might have a cost. For more information, talk to the social worker or nurse at your hospital or treatment centre, or get in touch with Cancer Council 13 11 20.

Looking after yourself

Cancer can cause physical and emotional strain, so it’s important to look after your wellbeing. Cancer Council has free booklets and programs to help you during and after treatment.

Call 13 11 20 to find out more, or see Managing cancer side effects, Exercise after a cancer diagnosis, Complementary therapies, Emotions and cancer, Nutrition and cancer, Sexuality, intimacy and cancer, Fertility and cancer, and Living well after cancer.

→ READ MORE: Personal stories about CUP

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