“You have cancer.” Three dreaded words you hope you’ll never have to hear in your lifetime, for yourself or for someone you love. The unspoken volume of the phrase ironically deafening to hear. So much so that whatever language follows it up temporarily causes people to disassociate and spiral down a rabbit hole of fear, confusion, questions, numbness, or a combination of all of the above.
According to the National Cancer Institute, approximately two million people will be diagnosed with cancer in 2025. And while this might seem alarming at first, it is also estimated that there are 18.6 million cancer survivors in the United States as of May 2025.
There is no easy way to face a cancer diagnosis and the prospect of lengthy, demanding, and often exhausting treatment. It requires a strength you may not even know you possess, and takes a toll on your mental health as much as your physical health.
Whether you’re fresh off an initial diagnosis, in the thick of treatment, or managing survivorship, each stage of this disease comes with its own challenges—all of which are evident in this collection of stories. Luckily, there are tools and professionals that can support you on your cancer journey and help you regain a sense of control in your body and life.
Seeking professional support can guide you through the inherent emotional ups and downs, help you problem solve in the face of difficult choices, and let you tap into the inner strength that you’ll need to face treatment, side effects, and any surprises that might accompany your illness.
If you or a loved one is going through cancer treatment, Verywell Mind is here with expert guidance, inspiring firsthand accounts, and self-care strategies tailored to help you deal with the stress, fear, and everything else that come with a cancer diagnosis. Reminder: your feelings are all valid, and you don’t have to go through this period alone.
