Cervical cancer may have many other reasons to worry about besides their own health and conditions. Such stress factors can be very harmful and family is the only one more manageable than the others with the potential of offering great support to the cancer patients.

And as if telling friends and family that you have been diagnosed with cancer was not difficult enough, in the case of cervical cancer you also have to deal with prejudice and stigmatization as many people immediately relate cervical cancer with promiscuity, though it's hardly the case. So, not only do you have to deal with the emotions you are feeling about telling them that you have a potentially deadly disease, but you also have to endure shame and juggle in the same time with coping with the reaction of the person you are breaking the news to. Today, people automatically think of the worst when they hear the word "cancer" as we have all known at least one person in our lives who died from it.



What you should bare in mind in that you are under no obligation to tell about your cancer to anybody who won't really be supportive during treatment.You should however tell your family, close friends, members of your clergy and perhaps your employer, if treatment will affect your work. Saying you have cancer can be very therapeutic as it is the first step in coping with cancer. To truly recognize and accept your illness you

should keep an open communication channel for all those in your support circle but remember you don't have to talk about your condition with anybody you don't feel comfortable with. Withholding such information is an individual right.

The most important thing is to be completely honest and don't make it harder on yourself by feeling more alone in your struggle. Keep in mind that they are suffering alongside you and you may even find yourself giving them just as much support as they are giving you.



Living with the cancer and undergoing treatment is also very difficult especially without somebody else caring for you beside the nurse and doctor. Psychical and emotional issues can add to your weakened condition as you'll struggle with thoughts of your remaining life after treatment. Worrying about losing your job can even sometimes become more intense than worrying for your life. Having somebody to talk with about this or somebody to understand and help you is very important and can keep you motivated and optimistic throughout the treatment.

If you worry about taking care of your family simply let them know and they're bound to do their best to ensure you they are fine and awaiting your return. In many cases family members have shown their support and have contributed a lot to optimizing treatment for their loved ones.

Some of us might even have had to luck to see such an inspirational family member of a cancer patient walking around with a T-shirt saying he supports his mom, of aunt in her struggle.