Being diagnosed with cancer brings difficult emotions, such as anxiety, fear, and disbelief. Often, these feelings are almost as overwhelming for family members and those who care about the person with cancer. While these people are naturally focused on helping the newly diagnosed person, this time is also an opportunity for the person with cancer to educate those who care about him or her about cancer prevention and screening. Cancer.Net talked with Carolyn Aldigé of the Prevent Cancer Foundation to learn more about using the teachable moment of a new cancer diagnosis to educate family members about cancer prevention.

Q: What is meant by "using the teachable moment of a new cancer diagnosis to educate family members about cancer prevention and screening?"

A: When you are diagnosed with cancer, you are shocked and your family is shocked. You may ask yourself "How could this happen to me?" As you overcome the shock, you may naturally start thinking about how you can help your family and friends learn about healthy behaviors and lifestyle choices that may help prevent cancer. Many also talk with health-care professionals and read up on their specific type of cancer to learn about treatment, screening, and prevention. As you learn more about your cancer, share your knowledge with friends and family and urge them to learn more about reducing their risk for cancer and getting screened according to current recommendations.

Q: What are some tips for people with cancer on how to approach a conversation about cancer prevention and screening with their family members and those who care about them?

A: Once you are diagnosed with cancer, those who care about you will ask you how you are feeling and what they can do to help. This is the perfect opportunity to turn those questions around and show your concern for them. Try something like, "Well, today I'm doing better, but the chemo wiped me out on Monday. You know, I'd hate to see you go through what I'm going through. Please take action and arm yourself with information. Find out how you can reduce your risk of cancer. Go online or talk with your doctor." Talking to family and friends about cancer prevention can save lives, but be sensitive to how much information a person wants at this time.

Q: What are ways for family members to cope with difficult feelings, such as fear and anxiety, when being screened for cancer, and when caring for the person living with cancer?

A: One way to overcome the anxiety associated with cancer screenings (especially colorectal cancer) is to learn about the techniques and tools that will be used. The more informed you are, the less anxious you may feel.

Also, many people put off cancer screenings because they are nervous about being told they have a lethal form of cancer. Ironically, getting screened regularly often helps people catch the cancer early when it's still treatable, before it becomes life-threatening.

When you have a loved one who is living with cancer, it is important to acknowledge and cope with your feelings. Some people with cancer need to be nurtured and comforted and they want to hear about your feelings, too. Others want to feel as though nothing has changed, and they might resent your anxiety. Often, the best course of action is to give your loved one an opportunity to express their feelings and to hear yours, but if they are not receptive, don't be upset and don't take it personally. Instead, rely on your own support network and confide in friends or family members about your worries. There are also online, phone, and in-person support groups available for people caring for a loved one - check out www.cancercare.org for free information on education, financial assistance, and practical advice.

Q: What resources on cancer prevention and screening are available for people with cancer to direct their family members and those who care about them to?

A: The Prevent Cancer Foundation website has a lot of information about cancer screening and prevention in both English and Spanish. Visit our website at www.preventcancer.org for information on the eight most preventable cancers. You can also try the National Cancer Institute, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the American Cancer Society for statistics, clinical trials, and a wealth of information about many different types of cancer. The National Cancer Institute and the Coalition of Cancer Cooperative Groups, are also reliable sources of information about clinical trials.

Some organizations specialize in specific types of cancer, while others focus on different stages of the continuum of cancer, from prevention through survivorship.

Q: Is there anything else about cancer prevention and screening that family members and those caring for people with cancer should know?

A: Studies show that only about 5% of cancers are hereditary, so you have the ability to seriously reduce your risk of many types of cancers through avoiding tobacco, eating well, exercising regularly, and getting screened.

For example, cervical and colon cancers are typically slow-growing cancers that can often be detected early before they become life-threatening. Regular self-checks and annual visits to the dermatologist can significantly reduce your risk of skin cancer. (All three of these cancers have pre-cancerous lesions that can be detected through screening and removed before they even become cancerous.) Regular PSA (prostate-specific antigen) tests and mammograms can help detect prostate and breast cancers earlier, when treatment is more likely to be successful.

Look at your family history and lifestyle to determine what cancers you may be more likely to develop. Then take action to reduce your risk of cancer.

Ms. Aldigé is President and Founder of the Prevent Cancer Foundation and is a member of the Cancer.Net Gastrointestinal Cancers Advisory Panel.

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