There’s no right or wrong way to talk about your NSCLC diagnosis. Here are a few strategies you can try.

Receiving a diagnosis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is life changing. It directly affects the lives of people who love you and, as a result, can be challenging to talk about.

Some people prefer sharing their news with family as soon as possible. This can bring much-needed support and help reduce feelings of isolation.

Others choose to keep their diagnoses private until they have had a chance to process the information themselves and adjust.

There is no right or wrong way to share the news of your NSCLC diagnosis, but some things you might want to consider as you decide how to proceed.

There’s no easy way to share news like an NSCLC diagnosis.

You may find it feels easier to initially only tell those closest to you. When you’re ready, you can expand the circle of who you tell.

Studies suggest that patients and their family members have distinct communication preferences when they learn about distressing information.

They might prefer receiving news:

  • in an appropriate setting
  • in a way that meets their psychological needs

For some people, this may mean a quiet location for an in-person conversation.

This may not be always possible for out-of-town family and friends. In this case you could deliver your update with a telephone call or carefully timed and worded message such as a text or an email. What matters is that you feel good about the way you’ve shared your news.

If you feel overwhelmed by the prospect of discussing your NSCLC diagnosis, you can also ask for help from a counselor or hospital social worker. They can use their training to guide you through this experience.

It’s ok to initially restrict the news of your NSCLC diagnosis to a small number of people. This can allow you to adjust and mentally prepare before you inform others.

As you have time to adjust and learn more about your particular situation, you can share your news with more people.

Learn as much as you can about your diagnosis first. You’ll be better prepared for inevitable questions from family and friends when you have a clear understanding of what’s happening.

Ask your doctor things like:

Research suggests that an honest and straightforward approach is preferable when sharing unpleasant news or information.

According to a 2024 study, patients preferred direct conversation with their doctors regarding bad news. Family members also benefit from this approach, according to the National Cancer Institute (NCI).

Informed decision making is also easier with a clear understanding of the truth, according to a 2021 literature review, the most recent available. Family members often help with cancer treatment decisions, which can be easier to make with simple and accurate facts.

Since you know them best, it may help to tailor your communication approach to each individual. Some people might want more information, while others may become overwhelmed.

The American Psychological Association (APA) recommends the following strategies when talking with children about difficult news:

  • mentally rehearse the conversation so you are prepared for questions your child might ask
  • find out how much they already know
  • use age-appropriate language
  • choose a quiet time with minimal or no distractions
  • be honest
  • share your feelings
  • offer reassurance
  • talk about the importance of self-care

Whatever you do, it’s always best to talk about your diagnosis. The APA recommends communicating with children about events occurring around them, even negative ones, rather than trying to shield them.

The NCI supports this approach also. Being honest and direct makes it easier for kids to trust future communication about your condition if you have a straightforward approach from the beginning.

A pediatric mental health professional can help if you are not sure what to say or think your child can benefit from more support.

Adjusting to a cancer diagnosis and communicating with loved ones about it can feel overwhelming. The influx of new information and turbulent emotions can make this even more challenging.

There are ways you can get support.

Family counseling services

Your hospital or cancer care center may provide helpful patient and family counseling services. These trained professionals can help you communicate with family and friends. They can also offer advice to your loved ones who may not know how they can best support you.

Support groups

There are also support groups available that you and your loved ones can join, through organizations such as:

  • Go2 for Lung Cancer
  • American Lung Association
  • Lung Cancer Foundation of America
  • Cancer Care
  • Cancer Support Community
  • National Cancer Institute

Social media is another place to turn for patient and caregiver lung cancer support groups.

Patient counseling

It may also be helpful to seek counseling for yourself.

It’s natural to have distressing feelings when you’re facing a significant health issue like NSCLC.

Having a mental health professional listen to your thoughts and fears may bring you much-needed comfort. A trained therapist can also suggest strategies for managing your emotions and reducing your stress.

You may also want to talk with your oncologist or family doctor if you experience physical changes associated with intense emotions.

According to the NCI, these signs can include:

If you experience these or similar feelings, your doctor can help you determine whether they are related to anxiety and stress, or your cancer medications and treatment.

After your initial conversation with loved ones, setting up a group update system can be a useful time saver.

CaringBridge is a free online communication tool that helps provide loved ones with health updates. You can also create private message groups using social media platforms or text messaging.

Depending on the effect of your treatments on you, ask someone else to be your spokesperson. This representative can update people on things like your post-surgical status or how you’re feeling after a chemotherapy cycle.

Receiving a diagnosis of NSCLC can feel overwhelming, and you might not know the best way to share the news with your loved ones.

Research suggests that an honest approach with clear information is best. You can also enlist the aid of a mental health professional such as a counselor or therapist.

It might be easiest to start with a small number of people closest to you. Then as you adjust, share your news with more people in your life.