Do I have to talk about my cancer if I do not want to?

No. You do not have to talk about your cancer if you do not want to. You choose when to talk about it.

It can be hard for people to know how to talk to you about your cancer. Loved ones often mean well but do not know what to say or how to act. If you want to talk, you can help them feel more at ease by asking what they are thinking or how they are feeling. And if you do not want to talk about it, it is okay to say that too, and to let them know when you are ready.

It also helps to tell your health care team how you like to receive information, whether that is written instructions, phone calls, texts, or emails, and how much detail you want. Some people want a lot of information, while others prefer less.

When you do feel like talking, it may help. Talking about cancer-related issues can reduce stress for you and your family, and family-focused counseling can help some families communicate.