'Cancer' is a small word, but it has the power to shatter someone's emotions. This life-threatening disease disrupts the regular functions of the body and can also negatively impact mental well-being. After receiving a cancer diagnosis, a person may experience mixed emotions such as fear, sadness, anger, and anxiety. It can take time for a cancer patient to adjust to the disease and to cope with the required mental strength.

Fear

Fear is a common reaction to cancer, despite the significant advancements made in cancer treatment over the past decade. People may be afraid of how cancer will affect their health, personal, conjugal, family, and work-life, treatment costs, possible side-effects of treatment, effect on their financial state, and their ability to carry out their duties.

Anxiety

Anxiety is another common emotion experienced by cancer patients. The news of cancer can cause a great deal of stress, leading to the release of anxiety-causing hormones such as adrenaline, which can result in faster heart rates, excess sweating, dry mouth, and a rise in blood pressure.

Anger

Anger is often the first emotion that comes to mind after a cancer diagnosis. Patients may feel angry and ask themselves, "Why me?" The level of anger might be extreme, especially if the patient is in an advanced stage, and they may start to show anger towards themselves, their surroundings, and even the 'Creator.'

Shock

Shock is another common reaction to a cancer diagnosis. At the very beginning, cancer may not show any symptoms, and patients may feel numb, especially if they are not too sick. Disbelief is also common, with some patients needing to undergo a few re-checkups before accepting their diagnosis.

Guilt

Guilt is often felt by cancer patients who assume they will be a burden to their family and friends and unable to perform their duties and responsibilities. Cancer treatment is costly and can affect a family's financial condition, which can worsen feelings of guilt. However, it is important to remember that being a cancer patient was not a choice or karma.

Blame

Some patients may blame themselves for their cancer, believing that their lifestyle choices and habits may have caused it.

Sadness

It is a natural reaction to any illness, and cancer news can leave a person feeling shattered inside with grief as they learn more about the possible outcomes of the disease.

Loneliness

Loneliness is another common emotion experienced by cancer patients. Over time, patients may feel that people are not paying attention to them (though this may not be in reality), which can affect them emotionally. If a family member or friend misunderstands or finds difficulty with any of their words or problems, the patient may assume they are being ignored. It can cause the patient to feel lonely and become distant from others.

Loss of control

A cancer diagnosis can leave patients feeling as though they have lost control of their life. The sudden news can make them feel helpless and break down all control of their day-to-day actions. All of a sudden, they may lose their sense of what to do and what not to do.