The short answer
Once people settle into a routine with cancer treatment, many feel a sense of hope. Millions of people who have had cancer are alive today, and people with cancer can lead active lives. There are simple ways to build hope, find joy in small things, and give life new meaning.
Once people settle into treatment, many feel a sense of hope.
Millions of people who have had cancer are alive today, and people with cancer can lead active lives.
Simple habits, like planning your days and spending time in nature, can build hope.
Many people find gratitude and joy in small everyday things.
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The full explanation.
Hope is possible
Once people accept that they have cancer and get into a new routine with treatment, they often feel a sense of hope. There are many reasons to feel hopeful. Millions of people who have had cancer are alive today. And people with cancer can lead active lives, even during treatment.
Some doctors think that hope may help your body deal with cancer, and scientists are studying whether a hopeful outlook helps people feel better. Whatever the research shows, hope can be a comfort and a source of strength as you move through your days.
Ways to build a sense of hope
Hope is not something you either have or you do not. You can nurture it in small, everyday ways. You might try to:
- Plan your days and schedule as you always have. It may change somewhat, and that is okay.
- Keep doing what you love as much as you are able, without limiting yourself more than you need to.
- Look for reasons to have hope. If it helps, write them down or talk about them with others.
- Spend time in nature.
- Reflect on your religious or spiritual beliefs.
- Listen to stories about people with cancer who are leading active lives.
Finding joy and gratitude
Some people see their cancer as a "wake-up call." They realize the importance of enjoying the little things in life. They go places they have never been, finish projects they set aside, spend more time with friends and family, or mend broken relationships.
It may be hard at first, but try to look for the joy in your life. Pay attention to the things you do each day that make you smile. They can be as simple as drinking a good cup of coffee, being with a child, or talking to a friend.
You can also do things that feel special to you, like being in nature or praying in a place that has meaning for you. Or it could be playing a game you love or cooking a good meal. Whatever you choose, embrace the things that bring you joy when you can.
Meaning that can grow from hard times
Living with cancer involves many changes, and finding meaning is part of adjusting. People who adjust well often continue to find meaning and importance in their lives.
Many survivors say that surviving cancer gave them a greater appreciation for life, a better understanding of what is most important to them, and stronger spiritual or religious beliefs. This does not mean the experience is easy. It simply means that meaning and even growth can come alongside the hard parts.
When hope feels far away
Hope does not always come on command, and that is okay. You do not have to try to be upbeat if you are not. Many people say they want the freedom to give in to their feelings sometimes. As one woman put it, when it gets really bad, she tells her family she is having a bad cancer day and goes to rest.
If feelings of hopelessness last or feel heavy, talk with your doctor, because there are ways they can help. And if you ever have thoughts of suicide, dial 911 in an emergency, or call, text, or chat 988 to reach the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, available 24 hours a day.
Drawing strength from others
You do not have to find hope and meaning alone. Sharing your feelings with friends and family may help you feel less alone. Talking with other people who have cancer, or joining a support group in person or online, helps many people. And many survivors find that their faith, religion, or sense of spirituality is a steady source of strength.
Words to know
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Common questions
▸Is it really possible to feel hopeful with cancer?
Yes. Once people accept that they have cancer and get into a routine with treatment, they often feel a sense of hope. There are many reasons for hope: millions of people who have had cancer are alive today, and people with cancer can lead active lives, even during treatment.
▸What are some ways to build a sense of hope?
You can plan your days and keep your usual schedule, try not to limit the things you like to do, look for reasons to have hope and write them down, spend time in nature, reflect on your spiritual beliefs, and listen to stories of people with cancer who are leading active lives.
▸What is gratitude, and how does it help?
Some people see cancer as a wake-up call and realize the importance of enjoying life's little things. Try to notice what makes you smile each day, whether that is a good cup of coffee, time with a child, or a talk with a friend. Embracing what brings you joy can lift your spirits.
▸Can going through cancer change how I see life?
It can. Many people who adjust well continue to find meaning and importance in their lives, and some say surviving cancer gave them a greater appreciation for life, a better understanding of what matters most, and stronger spiritual or religious beliefs.
▸What if I cannot feel hopeful right now?
That is okay. You do not have to force yourself to be upbeat if you are not feeling it. Many people want the freedom to give in to their feelings sometimes. If feelings of hopelessness last or feel heavy, talk with your doctor, because there are ways they can help.
▸How can spirituality help me find meaning?
Many people find that their faith, religion, or sense of spirituality is a source of strength. Reflecting on spiritual or religious beliefs, praying in a place that has meaning for you, or connecting with a faith community can help some people cope and find meaning.
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