Should Cancer Patients Share Their Condition with People They Have Just Met?

Having cancer treatment or a history of it may make people hesitate to communicate with new acquaintances, particularly someone of the opposite sex. If so, we offer suggestions to support confidence, reconsider expectations and decide when to discuss your illness.

Meeting people, communicating with someone you are attracted to or entering a new setting is exciting. With cancer or previous treatment, however, you may feel discouraged about new relationships or unsure whether you are ready. Should you share health information or when should you share it may be questions on your mind. You cannot know how others will respond. Experts point out that meeting someone new, a first date or joining a group was already exciting and potentially intimidating before diagnosis. After cancer, similar feelings may be attributed to illness. Because illness can feel frightening and undermine security, social hesitation may become more intense. Physical changes can also affect confidence.

Many patients have similar concerns. Younger people planning marriage or children may experience new settings or potential partners differently from older married people with children. Concerns vary by individual and disease extent. These suggestions may help.

First, Love Yourself

Diagnosis and treatment can undermine confidence. Physical changes may have a substantial effect, making new relationships harder.

Begin rebuilding confidence. You are valuable as you are and deserve love. Remind yourself of this, resume pre-illness activities or try something you always wanted to do. This helps you feel like yourself.

Consider What You Want from a Relationship

Meeting someone you like and not knowing whether they are interested is normal; it could happen without illness too. Equally important is considering their character and whether they suit you. Your expectations and priorities may remain as before. Think about them and guide the relationship accordingly.

Take the First Step for Yourself

It may not be the right time for dating sites or parties. Socializing or going out should first be for your own enjoyment. Prioritizing yourself may help you feel happier.

Accepting Physical Appearance

Treatments can leave physical marks, affect mood, reduce sexual desire and cause discomfort. If you experience these symptoms or emotional difficulty, seek psychological counseling or support from urology, plastic surgery or gynecology specialists.

• 5 things cancer patients and spouses should know about sexuality

Plan When to Talk

When to tell someone is entirely your decision. Some prefer explaining diagnosis and treatment on the 2nd or 3rd date; others hesitate for months. They may not want to hide cancer but also not want it to be the first thing known about them.

Telling someone with whom you enjoy spending time does not make you a different person. Thinking beforehand about how to express yourself can make the first discussion more comfortable.

• The moment time stands still: RECEIVING A CANCER DIAGNOSIS!