Understanding Colorectal Cancer

Coping with Colorectal Cancer

This is the eleventh page in the Understanding Colorectal Cancer Guide. This guide was developed by the HealthTree Education Team and was last updated and reviewed on April 6th, 2026. 

A colorectal cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming. It is normal to feel a range of emotions such as fear, anger, sadness, anxiety, or even relief that you finally have an answer. All of these feelings are valid. You do not have to face this alone.

Talking to your care team

Your care team, including your oncologist, nurses, social worker, dietitian and other specialists, is there to support you. Do not hesitate to tell them how you are feeling, physically and emotionally. They can connect you with additional resources, adjust your treatment to reduce side effects, and refer you to support services.

Emotional and mental health support

It is common for people with cancer to experience anxiety and depression. Mental health support is an important part of cancer care. Ask your care team about:

• Oncology social workers. These specialists who help patients navigate the emotional, practical, and financial challenges of cancer.
• Counseling and therapy. Individual or group therapy with a psychologist or licensed counselor can help.
• Integrative medicine approaches like mindfulness, yoga, acupuncture, and meditation that can reduce stress and improve wellbeing.

Support for family and caregivers

Cancer affects everyone close to a patient. Family members and caregivers may have their own fears and may need support too. Encourage family members to seek support through counseling, support groups, or resources specifically designed for caregivers.

Ostomy support

If you had surgery that resulted in a colostomy or ileostomy, adjusting to life with an ostomy can take time. Ostomy nurses are called WOCNs. This stands for wound, ostomy, and continence nurses. They are specially trained to help you learn to care for your ostomy and adjust to daily life. Many people live full, active lives with an ostomy.

The United Ostomy Associations of America (UOAA) provides resources, support groups, and education for people with ostomies.

Practical support

A cancer diagnosis can bring financial and logistical challenges. Resources that may help include:

• Patient assistance programs: help with the cost of cancer medications
• Transportation assistance: programs that help with travel to and from treatment
• Home health care: nursing and aide support at home
• Financial counseling: through your hospital's financial assistance office

The HealthTree Community

HealthTree connects patients and caregivers with each other and with the latest information about colorectal cancer. Join the HealthTree community to connect with others who understand what you are going through, access educational resources, and find support.