Getting A Cancer Diagnosis

You are not alone. It's hard to know how you will react until it happens. It may take time for you to really understand or come to terms with getting a cancer diagnosis...and that's ok.

After getting diagnosed, the following days, weeks and months can feel like a lot to handle. It can be stressful. There are many things to think about, decisions to make and factors to consider.

For more information visit the National Cancer Institute web page on How Cancer Is Diagnosed (opens in new window).

I've just been diagnosed, now what?

Once you get a cancer diagnosis you might want to know more right away, or take some time to think about what the diagnosis means to you.

If you are ready to learn more, visit our Cancer Info & Tools section.

Find information about your:

• Type of cancer
• Treatment
• Support options

Your doctor or nurse practitioner will fill out a referral form to a cancer program. You might be referred to the Waterloo Wellington Regional Cancer Program, or a cancer program in another region.

Once the program gets your referral form, they will look over the information and call you to make an appointment. For your initial visit, you might be seen at Grand River Regional Cancer Centre or Cambridge Memorial Hospital.

Once you meet your cancer care team they will give you information about the next steps in your treatment and care plan.

Make sure to tell your health care team about any struggles you are having, they can help find you the best supports.