What Does Cancer Feel Like?

Cancer is a word that many of us are all too familiar with, yet have difficulty understanding it on a personal and emotional level. Sadly, many people will come face to face with this dreaded diagnosis – and it often comes with a range of both physical and emotional challenges. So just what does cancer feel like?

The Physical Effects of Cancer

When it comes to the physical effects of cancer, it can depend on the type, stage, and severity of each individual’s cancer. It can range from fatigue, pain, and weakness to physical changes, such as hair loss or appetite loss. The side effects of treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation, can also be challenging – and can include further pain and fatigue.

Fatigue is one of the most common physical side effects of cancer and it’s something that can range from mild tiredness to complete exhaustion. Pain can also come with cancer, and while pain medication and alternative treatments can help, there’s still nothing quite like the pain of untreated cancer.

Finally, there are the external physical effects of cancer-related treatments – such as hair loss, skin changes, and disfiguring scars. These can create a great sense of loss and worries about how others will see you.

The Emotional Effects of Cancer

The emotional effects of cancer can be just as difficult and painful as the physical ones. Cancer brings with it a world of fear, shock, sadness and isolation just to name a few. The emotional effects can range from things like overwhelming stress and anxiety to deeper fears about the course of the disease, treatment options and longevity.

Another emotion commonly associated with cancer is denial. People who are experiencing a cancer diagnosis may living in a state of denial, where they try to block out the reality of the situation and create a false sense of security. Then there’s the sense of guilt that can be closely connected to this; feeling guilty about going outside for a simple pleasure like a walk for fear that the simple action has somehow caused the cancer.

Finally, there is a deep sadness that can come with cancer that can feel impossible to overcome. This grief can be experienced when dealing with the physical and emotional losses brought on by a cancer diagnosis.

Conclusion

Cancer is something that affects so many people and it can bring a wide range of both physical and emotional challenges. It can bring about fatigue, pain and weakness as well as fear, shock and sadness. It’s important to remember that you are not alone in these feelings, and that there is support available.