Colon Cancer Information
Living with Colon Cancer
Living with colon cancer is not easy. After a colon cancer diagnosis, people may worry about caring for their families, keeping their jobs, or continuing daily activities. Concerns about the colon cancer treatments and managing side effects, hospital stays, and medical bills are also common. Doctors, nurses, and other members of the health care team can answer questions about treatment, working, or other activities. Meeting with a social worker, counselor, or member of the clergy can be helpful to those who want to talk about their feelings or discuss the concerns they may have about their colon cancer diagnosis. Often, a social worker can suggest resources for financial aid, transportation, home care, or emotional support to help those living with colon cancer maintain their normal lives as much as possible.
Support groups also can help those living with colon cancer. In these groups, patients or their family members meet with other patients or their families to share what they have learned about coping with the disease and the effects of treatment. Groups may offer support in person, over the telephone, or on the Internet. Patients may want to talk with a member of their health care team about finding a support group.
