The most common emotions after a diagnosis

A cancer diagnosis can be one of the most life-changing moments in a person’s life. Whether it’s you or someone close to you, the flood of emotions that follows is normal – and you’re not alone in feeling them.

A recent YouGov survey commissioned by Cancer Council NSW asked 1,011 NSW residents about the emotions they experienced after being diagnosed with a serious medical condition by a doctor. The findings highlight the most common emotions people face after a diagnosis.

Understanding these emotions is an important first step in knowing how to navigate them – and where to find support when things feel overwhelming.

1. Overwhelmed

The most commonly reported emotional response was feeling overwhelmed, with nearly 39% of respondents identifying this as their initial reaction. Among respondents who have had a cancer diagnosis, this figure rose to 55%.

“The urologist told me ‘You have cancer’. I was alone in the office with the urologist and had nowhere to turn. I’m sure he then talked about what we’d do next, but I don’t remember it clearly.” – Andrew D

What can help:

• Take what time you can: Ask your doctors how soon you need to make each decision, then focus on one decision at a time.
• Seek reliable information: Understanding the diagnosis and treatment options can provide a sense of control.
• Talk to someone: Sharing feelings with trusted individuals or professionals can ease the sense of being overwhelmed.

2. Confused

Confusion was another frequently reported emotion, experienced by 35% of respondents overall. This increased to 54% among those who have been diagnosed with cancer.

Between unfamiliar medical language, the complexity of treatment pathways, and the uncertainty of what lies ahead, many people find the early days after diagnosis particularly disorienting.

“Fortunately for me, I’d taken a friend with me who’d had cancer before. I sat there like a stunned mullet, but my friend was switched on and asked questions like ‘where do we go from here?’” – Linda B

What can help:

• Prepare for appointments: Writing down questions in advance can help clarify doubts.
• Bring support: It is a good idea to ask a family member or friend to go with you to your appointments – they can ask pertinent questions, write notes or simply help you remember the conversation later.
• Use trusted resources: Cancer Council provides free booklets and fact sheets written in plain English and reviewed by medical professionals, the research community and other experts. These evidence-based resources can help you better understand the diagnosis and treatment options, prepare questions for your doctors, and know where and how to access support. They can also be helpful for family and friends trying to offer informed support.

3. Shocked

Even when cancer is suspected, confirmation of the diagnosis can still be a shock. Among those who have had a cancer diagnosis, 33% reported shock as their initial emotional response. Many described being unable to absorb information or focus on what was being said in that moment.

“She started talking about chemotherapy, radiation therapy and it was like she was speaking another language! I went home and was completely in shock and breaking down.” – Kristina S

What can help:

• Allow time to process: It’s normal to need time to absorb such significant news.
• Seek support: Connecting with others who have been through similar experiences – through peer support or online communities – can help reduce feelings of isolation and fear.
• Engage in calming activities: Practices like deep breathing, meditation, or gentle exercise can help manage immediate stress responses.

Support is available for everyone affected by cancer

Feeling overwhelmed, confused, or shocked is completely natural after a cancer diagnosis. These emotions don’t just affect the person with cancer either. Partners, children, close friends, and carers often feel the emotional weight as well.

That’s why Cancer Council provides support for everyone affected by cancer.

Our 13 11 20 Information and Support line is open to patients, carers, health professionals, friends and family. You can also read our Emotions and Cancer booklet and listen to our Coping with a Cancer Diagnosis podcast episode.

Whether you are looking for reliable information, emotional support, or simply someone to listen, we’re here to help.

*The research was conducted by YouGov from the 5-11July 2024 and consisted of a sample of 1,011 residents of NSW aged 18 years and over. This included 111 respondents who have been diagnosed with cancer. Following the completion of fieldwork, the data was weighted by age, gender, region to reflect the latest estimates of NSW residents aged 18+ population in Australia as provided by the ABS. 

To find out more, visit www.cancercouncil.com.au

If you need to talk about cancer, call Cancer Council on 13 11 20