When a loved one is diagnosed with cancer, it is normal to experience shock, denial, fear, anxiety, and low mood. Often dealing with one's own emotions makes it difficult to know what to say to the patient or how to say it, and could lead to one avoiding the patient or discussion of the diagnosis. The patient is also most likely dealing with the same emotions mentioned earlier in addition to dealing with the physical concerns. They may sometimes feel weighed down by everything. One needs to remember that there are no 'correct' words for such a situation that are going to immediately change the patient's emotions or outlook. However, it is important to convey that you are with them every step of the way.

Anxiety, depression, stress, poor social support are some of the factors that increase the rate of re-admission and duration of hospital stay. This is because anxiety and depression increase cortisol levels which produce an immuno-compromised state. Increased levels of anxiety can also increase co-morbidities such as hypertension.