Emotions and barriers experienced by people diagnosed with cancer

The graphic shows observational information that can be used for supporting patients with cancer. There are emotions and barriers patients commonly face as they go through their journey. In addition, they will obtain information from external sources like websites, books, and well-meaning friends and family who have scare stories and may recommend “cures”. In the clinical setting, it is fair to expect that many patients may experience this sort of issue, which could become a barrier to treatment success by potentially increasing the nocebo effect. It is vital to try to help patients to navigate around this to minimize the negative thoughts and potentially support them to a positive pathway for their treatment.

Graphic based on observations made by Steve Clark while supporting people with advance cancer.