I Have Breast Cancer and I Am Very Scared, How Do I Cope?
By Dr. María Ferreras-Méndez, LMHC, Ph.D., Ferreras Counseling & Wellness, Lawrence, Massachusetts
Receiving a breast cancer diagnosis changes life in an instant.
In my experience as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), I have seen how those words can shake a person’s emotional stability, generating deep fear, anxiety, and sadness.
But I have also seen another side of the story: that of courage, resilience, and hope that emerge when we decide to face the illness with a strengthened mind.
Understanding What We Feel is the First Step
When we hear the word “cancer,” our body and mind react with alarm. It is normal to feel fear, anguish, or denial.
Every cancer diagnosis activates a grieving process because we face a loss: the loss of the sense of control over our health.
In my practice at Ferreras Counseling & Wellness, I accompany many people going through that first shock.
I always remind them that everything they feel is valid.
Anxiety, sadness, or even anger are not weaknesses; they are part of the human process of adaptation. Recognizing these emotions is the first step toward healing them.
Cancer and Mental Health: A Deep Connection
Breast cancer affects not only the body but also the mind.
It can generate anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress, especially during treatment. Women—and also men—who face this disease often ask themselves: “Why me?”, “Will I be able to continue with my life?”, “Will I feel like myself again?”.
The reality is that science has advanced enormously. Today, an early diagnosis can mean a complete recovery.
But while the body is treated with medicines and procedures, the mind needs support, accompaniment, and listening.
Caring for the Mind to Strengthen the Body
The immune system and mental health are closely related. When we live with fear or denial, our body weakens.
That is why it is so important to maintain a positive attitude and seek emotional help.
Psychological therapy—especially cognitive-behavioral therapy—helps manage the thoughts that generate anxiety or hopelessness.
In my practice, I work with patients so they learn to identify their fears, put them into words, and transform them into concrete actions that promote well-being.
Sometimes, simply having a safe space to talk without fear of being judged makes all the difference.
The Emotional Impact on the Family
Cancer also shakes loved ones. The family often does not know what to say or how to act.
I recommend something essential to my patients and their families: allow the sick person to express what they feel without judgment.
It is not necessary to give quick solutions or phrases like “everything will be fine.” Sometimes, the most healing thing is simply to be present, listen, and provide support.
It is also crucial for the family to educate themselves about the disease: knowing the stages, treatments, and support options allows them to act with greater calm and empathy.
How to Help and Support Sustainably?
When a loved one faces a cancer diagnosis or goes through a mental health process, the support does not end with a call or an initial visit. It is built with presence, empathy, and continuity.
Some advice I share from clinical practice:
- Maintain open communication. Do not avoid the topic out of fear. Ask how they feel and listen without interrupting.
- Respect their timing. There are days of strength and days of silence; both are part of the process.
- Help with practical tasks. Offer to accompany them to medical appointments, prepare meals, or care for the children.
- Support without invading. Do not insist if the person does not want to talk, but let them know you are available.
- Encourage healthy habits. Walking together, breathing outdoors, or attending support groups can improve mood.
- Take care of your mental health too. Caregivers need emotional support; seeking it is not selfishness, it is prevention.
Sustained accompaniment is one that adapts to the rhythm of the patient and the illness, without losing hope or the human connection.
Tips for Maintaining a Strong Mind During Treatment
- Express your emotions. Do not suppress them; talking is a form of healing.
- Do not blame yourself. Cancer is not your fault, and feeling afraid does not make you weak.
- Surround yourself with support. Seek groups, family members, or professionals to accompany you.
- Stay mentally and physically active. Walking, reading, or meditating can help reduce stress.
- Get informed. Knowing your diagnosis and treatment empowers you.
- Believe in hope. Science and faith can walk together in the healing process.
I invite you to watch [my conversation on El Coro del Morenaje](link to video), where I delve into the links between mental health and breast cancer; I also share experiences, practical advice, and answers to frequently asked questions that many people live in silence.
Where to Ask for Help for Adults in Massachusetts
Many resources offer emotional, psychological, and community support for both cancer patients and their family members:
- Ferreras Counseling & Wellness
- Individual, couple, and family therapy. Services in Spanish and virtual care.
- 439 South Union St, Suite 104, Lawrence, MA
- (978) 648-8515
- https://myhealthfair.com/booths/ferreras-counseling/
- Mass General Hospital – Hispanic Psychiatry Clinic
- Psychological and psychiatric support for the Hispanic community.
- (617) 724-2000
- www.massgeneral.org
- Samaritans of Boston (Emotional Helpline)
- Available 24/7 for people in crisis or who need to talk.
- 988 (National Suicide Prevention Lifeline)
- NAMI Massachusetts (National Alliance on Mental Illness)
- Free support groups for family members and adult patients.
- (617) 580-8541
- www.namimass.org
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute – Program for Latino Patients
- Counseling and comprehensive support during treatment.
- https://myhealthfair.com/booths/dana-farber/
- Alzheimer’s Association Massachusetts/New Hampshire
- 24/7 helpline and programs for caregivers (though primarily focused on Alzheimer’s, they offer general caregiver support).
- 1-800-272-3900
- https://myhealthfair.com/booths/alzheimer-assoc/
A cancer diagnosis is not the end; it can be the beginning of a new stage of strength and awareness.
In every story of struggle, there is a story of overcoming. My message to all women and men facing this battle is: do not walk alone.
Seek support, trust in science, and believe in your capacity to heal. The mind, when strengthened, can be the body’s best ally.
