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The Voice of People With Breast Cancer
Information
Living with Metastatic Breast Cancer
Coping with Your Diagnosis
Telling Your Family and Friends
You may still be processing your own emotions while having to tell the people closest to you that you have metastatic breast cancer (mBC). Sharing this news in a way that feels safe and manageable for you is most important.
Start with the person or people who can offer you the most support. This may include your partner, a close family member, or a trusted friend. Be clear on what you feel comfortable sharing about your diagnosis, treatment plan, and how you are doing. You might say something like, “I want to share what is going on, but I am still figuring things out. I may need time before sharing more.”
Your family and friends will want to help, but how they react to this news may vary. They could become emotional, ask lots of questions, or try to reassure you in a way that does not feel helpful. Others may not know what to say and either withdraw or say the wrong things. You are not responsible for managing other people’s feelings. It is okay to set boundaries like:
- Limiting how often you give updates
- Asking people not to share your news without permission
- Being clear on which questions you are open to answering
As time goes on, your needs and comfort level may change. You can revisit these conversations, redefine your boundaries, or share more when you are ready. Read more in our section dedicated to navigating relationships.
- References
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American Cancer Society. (2016). Telling others about your cancer. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/diagnosis-staging/telling-others-about-your-cancer.html
Breast Cancer Now. (2018). Telling family and friends about your breast cancer. https://breastcancernow.org/about-breast-cancer/primary-breast-cancer/telling-family-and-friends-about-your-breast-cancer
Doherty, C. (2024). How to tell someone you have cancer. Verywell Health. www.verywellhealth.com/how-to-tell-someone-you-have-cancer-4801470
Lee, V. (2023). Talking to your family and friends about breast cancer. Breastcancer.org. https://www.breastcancer.org/managing-life/talking-to-family-friends
The Canadian Cancer Society has a database that can be used to find local support services in your area. You can access it below:
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About CBCN
CBCN strives to voice the views and concerns of breast cancer patients through education, advocacy activities, and the promotion of information sharing.
Canadian Breast Cancer Network
185 Somerset St. West Suite 318, Ottawa, ON Canada K2P 0J2
Tel: 613-230-3044
Toll-free: 1-800-685-8820
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