Dealing with the emotional impact of pancreatic cancer

If you have been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer you might feel that your world has been turned upside down, and feel shocked, numb, or frightened. As time goes on you may go through a range of emotions. These may be similar or completely different to how you felt when you were first diagnosed. People find different ways to cope, and there is support available.

What can help?

Finding out more

Some people find it helps to find out more about their cancer, treatment options and what the future might hold. Even if you don’t want to know everything about pancreatic cancer, make sure you speak to your medical team, ask them questions, and understand what your diagnosis and treatment options mean.

Talking about it

It might seem that no one else understands how you feel, and some people tell us they feel isolated and alone. Some people find it helps to talk about their cancer and how they are feeling.

Family and friends can be a fantastic support. But sometimes people just don’t know what to say, or you may not want to talk to family and friends at all. You may worry that your family will find talking about it too upsetting. But talking openly about your feelings or wishes can help your family and friends support you. Macmillan Cancer Support have information about talking about cancer.

You can also talk to your medical team. You will be given a main contact, who will usually be a specialist nurse. They can provide emotional support as well as medical care. Talk to your nurse about how you’re feeling. Being open with them will help them support you better.

Talk to others affected by cancer

You might find it helps to talk to others affected by pancreatic cancer, who can understand what you are going through.

• We have an online discussion forum for anyone affected by pancreatic cancer
• We also run Living with Pancreatic Cancer support sessions, where you can meet others.
• If you have had or are having surgery to remove the cancer you might find it helps to talk things through with someone who knows what it is like. Side by Side is our telephone support service that gives you the chance to speak to a trained volunteer who has had surgery.
• You might find it helpful to read about the experiences of other people with pancreatic cancer.
• There are also support groups across the country. Local cancer centres may run support groups, where you can meet others with cancer, and there are support groups specifically for people with pancreatic cancer. Speak to your GP or nurse about what’s available locally.

Cancer centres such as Maggie’s centres or Macmillan information and support centres provide emotional support. They can also help with other things, such as dealing with the effects of treatment, and financial worries. Ask your nurse about local cancer centres.

Counselling

Counselling or ‘talking therapy’ involves talking to a trained professional about your thoughts and feelings. It may help you work through your feelings and find ways of coming to terms with things. There are different ways to get counselling.

• Ask your GP or nurse to refer you.
• Check whether your local hospital,  Macmillan Cancer Support centre or Maggie’s Centres have specialist counsellors.
• Check the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy for a counsellor who deals with cancer.

You can also ask to be referred for psychological support. Psychological support services help people with psychological (emotional) problems. You might be offered different types of support from health professionals such as counsellors, clinical psychologists, psychiatrists or social workers. Your family can also get support.

Getting spiritual support

Spirituality means different things to different people – whether you follow a religion or not. Being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer may mean that you think more about your spirituality. Spiritual practice, including religion, may become more important to you. You may want to speak to a faith leader if you have a religion.

Your local hospital may have a chaplaincy service. Chaplains are trained specialists who can help people of any or no religion find meaning and explore what’s important to them.

Published December 2020

To be reviewed December 2022