Getting a cancer diagnosis

It can be very difficult when you're diagnosed with cancer. You and your loved ones may find the days, weeks and months following your diagnosis to be a very emotional time.

There's no right way to react after being diagnosed with cancer. Your diagnosis and situation are unique to you, and your journey through your cancer diagnosis and treatment will also be unique.

There are some things you can do that may help you to cope with your diagnosis. These include:

• Exercise and fresh air.
• Healthy eating and drinking.
• Getting plenty of good quality sleep.
• Talking to friends, family and doctors about your diagnosis.

Remember, if you’re struggling, don’t suffer alone. Speak to a loved one or your doctor.

Following a cancer diagnosis there’s a lot to learn in a short space of time, both about your cancer and about yourself. You might struggle with your mental health at any point after your diagnosis. This is a common reaction to such difficult news.

You may feel:

• Like everyday tasks and activities are more difficult.
• A sense of loss or grief.
• Angry that this has happened to you.
• Frightened, scared or tearful.
• Sad, low, panicked or worried.
• Like you can’t concentrate or focus.
• A loss of control.
• Vulnerable and weak.
• Like you cannot sleep.

If you feel any of these, this is a completely normal reaction to diagnosis. It’s also normal to not have any of these reactions at first. However, that may change in the future. It can be helpful to know how a cancer diagnosis can affect your mental health in the future.

If you feel sad or low over a long period of time and it is affecting your everyday life, you may have depression. A cancer diagnosis can also cause anxiety, which can make you feel uneasy or scared. Speak to doctor if you’re worried about anxiety or depression. They can refer you for treatment and may have information about local support groups to help you through it.

When someone has possible symptoms of cancer, it's very important to either confirm or rule out a cancer diagnosis and determine what kind of help they need. NHS doctors and hospitals work hard to make sure this happens fast, and therefore aim to see anyone with symptoms of cancer quickly.

In England, the ‘Faster Diagnosis Standard (FDS)  framework states that a diagnosis of cancer should be either ruled out or confirmed within 28 days of an urgent cancer referral.

The rest of the UK doesn’t have a target, but they’ll aim to work as quickly as possible to find out if you have cancer.

Waiting time for treatment differs throughout the UK, however, doctors work very hard to start treatment as soon as possible.

Once a doctor has made a new diagnosis of cancer, they make a treatment plan. In England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, the NHS aims to start treatment within 31 days. This means that people should have a diagnosis and start treatment within 62 days of when their doctor first suspected cancer. The NHS in Wales has a similar waiting time, but they also include all non-urgent referrals in their 62 days target. 

Treatment after recurrence

If you’ve had cancer in the past and it comes back, this is called a recurrence. NHS England have set a target to start treatment for recurrence within 31 days from agreeing your treatment plan. The rest of the UK also work quickly, but they don't have a set target. 

Treatment of new cancer

Sometimes, a person who has had cancer before might be diagnosed with a new cancer. The NHS aims to start treatment within 62 days of an urgent referral for suspected cancer. This is because everyone working to help you knows how important it is to start treatment quickly. They are doing their best to make sure you get the help you need as soon as possible.

Doctors and nurses know that waiting can be hard for you and your family. They will do all they can to make sure you can start with  the most appropriate treatment plan for you as soon as possible.

Advanced cancer is cancer that has spread or returned. If it stops responding to treatment, it is called terminal cancer. The cancer team’s focus shifts towards palliative care to improve quality of life and, where possible, extend life expectancy.  While terminal cancer can’t be cured, it can be managed, and doctors have many ways to reduce the symptoms.

It can be very difficult to be diagnosed with terminal cancer. You and your loved ones may feel scared, upset or angry. Some people feel nothing at all after this diagnosis and may struggle to accept it. This is normal, and there is no right or wrong way to react to this news.

People with terminal cancer often find comfort in being with their family and friends. It's a chance to make more good memories and celebrate your life with those you love. Some people might want to have some time alone to think and reflect. That's okay too.

When you're ready, talking about what's happening can really help. You might talk with your family, a close friend, a nurse, or another caregiver. Sharing what you're scared of or worried about can make a big difference in how you feel. Many people find sharing their fears to be a great relief.

It's so important to remember that you're not alone. There are many people who want to help you and be there for you if you ask them. Support and love from the people around you can make this tough time a little easier.

You could claim for cancer diagnostic tests using your health insurance cover. The first step is to get a referral from your GP. Then you can make a claim through MyAviva, online or over the phone. 

If we confirm your claim is eligible, we’ll pay for the diagnostic tests directly subject to your policy terms and conditions. Just be sure to tell us if you need treatment, or if your hospital or specialist changes. 

It’s good to have one less thing to worry about. It takes Aviva.