How you might feel after a diagnosis of breast cancer

Common responses to a diagnosis of breast cancer include feeling shocked, angry, scared, anxious, sad or depressed. Some women feel a sense of loneliness or isolation or that they have lost their identity.

Others blame themselves for their breast cancer or find themselves questioning why breast cancer has happened to them.Having support and seeking help when needed is an important aspect of living with a diagnosis of breast cancer.

There are many different sources of support:

• the treatment team can provide support and advice
• sharing feelings with your partner or another family member or friend can be helpful
• some women find it helpful to talk to other women who have experienced breast cancer
• some women seek help from a specialist or ask for additional therapy.

Find out more about:

• Impact of diagnosis on children
• Impact of diagnosis on family and friends
• Impact of diagnosis on partners
• People in same-sex relationships
• What if I don't have a partner?
• What you as a partner can do
• After diagnosis
• Talking to people
• Antidepressants and cancer
• Anxiety and depression
• Knowing whether feelings are ‘normal’
• Regaining sexual confidence
• What can help manage emotional feelings after breast cancer?
• Impact of breast cancer on sexuality and intimacy
• Cancer and self-confidence
• Hair loss
• Effects on your sex life
  
   

For more information about feelings once treatment is over see the Life after breast cancer section.