Your feelings and bowel cancer
This page is about some of the feelings you may have when you have bowel cancer. There is information on
Your feelings and bowel cancer
Most people feel shocked and upset when they first find out they have colorectal cancer. They may also feel numb, frightened, confused, angry or guilty. Sometimes it is hard to take in the fact that you have cancer at all. Feelings are a natural part of coming to terms with cancer. All sorts of feelings are likely to come and go. Your family and friends will probably have strong feelings too.
You may feel isolated and find it difficult to talk to people. It is not unusual to feel embarrassed about having cancer of the bowel or rectum at first. Our bowels and going to the toilet are very private matters for many people. It is up to you who you tell. You may find it easier to deal with when you have got over your initial shock.
You may find it easier to sort through your feelings with the help of someone outside your immediate family and friends. Many other people have gone through similar experiences. You may find it helpful to join a support group. It may help to be in touch with someone who has been through what you are going through.
It is quite common nowadays for people to have counselling after cancer treatment. To find out more about counselling, look in the ‘coping with cancer’ section of CancerHelp UK. Or you could contact one of the bowel cancer organisations.
Most people feel shocked and upset when they first find out they have colorectal cancer. They may also feel
- Numb
- Frightened and uncertain
- Confused
- Angry and resentful
- Guilty
You may feel some or all of these feelings. Or you may feel totally different. Everyone reacts in their own way. Sometimes it is hard to take in the fact that you have cancer at all. Feelings are a natural part of coming to terms with colorectal cancer. All sorts of feelings are likely to come and go. Your family and friends will probably have strong feelings too. Look in the coping with cancer section of CancerHelp UK for detailed information about the feelings you may have when you find out you have cancer.
You may feel quite isolated and find it difficult to talk to people. It is not unusual to feel quite embarrassed about having cancer of the bowel or rectum at first. Our bowels and going to the toilet are very private matters for many people. But the staff at the hospital or clinic are very used to talking about these things and so you don't need to feel embarrassed. It is up to you who you tell, and who you decide to talk to. You may find it easier to deal with when you have got over your initial shock.
Many other people have gone through similar experiences. You may find it helpful to join a cancer support group. It may help to be in touch with someone who has been through what you are going through. Our bowel cancer organisations list has details of organisations who can give you help, support and information.
There are also web based forums for exchanging experiences. Look at Cancer Chat - Cancer Research UK's online discussion forum.
If you have trouble coping on your own try not to see it as a failure. Getting support from other people not only gives you comfort, but practical ideas too.
You may find it easier to sort through your feelings with the help of someone outside your immediate family and friends. Trained counsellors can help. Our section about counselling tells you how it can help and how to find a counsellor.
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