A cancer diagnosis can be devastating for everyone involved.
It is estimated that one in two of us will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in our lives. Despite this statistic, a cancer diagnosis is often unexpected, shocking and traumatic. It is a life-changing event that can make the future feel very uncertain.
In the UK, there are over 400,000 new cases of cancer each year and around 170,000 cancer deaths annually. Cancer Research UK reports about half of all people diagnosed with cancer (49.8%) survive cancer for 10 years or more. (CRUK, 2026)
A cancer diagnosis can have a devastating impact on everyone in the family and each person will respond to a cancer diagnosis in their own way.
Counselling can help at any stage in your cancer experience
People come to us for support at different stages in their cancer experience.
Some contact us immediately following a cancer diagnosis, either their own diagnosis or a loved one’s. This can be an unsettling time, often defined by fear, anxiety and uncertainty.
Others seek therapy after undergoing successful cancer treatment. Many cancer survivors find that successful treatment leaves them with physical or psychological challenges that are difficult to overcome. They may be dealing with loss of a body part, a changed sense of identity, or anxiety about the future.
Some clients need support after cancer treatment where cancer is in remission but has not been cured. Living with cancer as a constant companion can take some adjustment.
Counselling can also provide a source of support and comfort when cancer treatment options have been exhausted and people find themselves facing the end of life.
How cancer counselling helps
Cancer counselling is often about loss: loss of health, strength, autonomy, identity and security. People experiencing cancer often talk about feeling isolated and powerless. Cancer can also evoke feelings of apprehension, anxiety, anger, guilt and sadness.
Cancer treatments, as well as the disease itself, can pose various challenges to personal and intimate relationships.
Getting support from friends and family can feel difficult. Many people don’t want to burden loved ones. Friends may feel awkward discussing cancer and may try to be overly optimistic or change the subject rather than face the difficult situation you are up against.
Counselling provides invaluable support for people facing cancer. A cancer-informed therapist provides a space where you can talk about whatever you need to talk about, safe in the knowledge that your therapist can support you without fear or judgement.
Many of our therapists know about cancer, cancer treatments and the emotional and psychological effects brought on by cancer diagnosis and treatment. We have worked with many people facing cancer over the years. Please feel free to get in touch.
Don’t go through cancer alone.
Can therapy help?
Counselling works in a number of ways. Therapists don’t just listen. They are highly trained to discuss your issues and your life experiences in a way that can be affirming and resolving. Therapy usually brings clarity.
Many people don’t feel comfortable talking about their problems with family or friends. It’s often more helpful and more straightforward to address personal life issues with an experienced professional therapist.
Having a trained therapist listen without judgement in a safe, confidential setting can be a significant experience in someone’s life.
Meet our therapists working with cancer-related issues
