Cancer Counseling

According to the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), “counseling is working with a mental health professional to cope with the challenges that come with a cancer diagnosis.

Talking with a counselor can help an individual:

• Learn how to cope with a cancer diagnosis
• Feel less overwhelmed and more in control
• Manage anxiety and depression
• Cope with symptoms and side effect, such as pain and fatigue
• Deal with emotional concerns about self-image, body image, and intimacy and sex
• Manage fears or worries about the future

A counselor can also help a person to talk with the people around them. For example, they can help a person:

• Communicate clearly with their health care team
• Talk with family and friends and adjust to changes
• Find resources and help them deal with changes to their work, career, and finances
• Make important decisions
• Consider what comes after a person or their loved one finishes treatment

For more information, please visit www.asco.org and www.cancer.net