What to do if someone suspects cancer but won’t see a doctor or get professional al advice

Hi and welcome to the community, although sorry for the situation you find yourself in. This is a difficult question to answer. The thought of having cancer can be very scary, but you need to try and explain that many cancers can be treated successfully, and the earlier it is caught the better. Things have come a long way in recent years. Is the person worried about tests or treatment, or just hoping things will go away? Of course it may not be cancer at all, but anything unusual needs to be investigated anyway. You may find it helpful to talk to someone in person for advice. The free helpline on 0808 808 0000 is open until 8pm each day and have experts on hand to help. Best wishes.

I think they have had others go through similar experiences and treatment may have not been successful and feel frightened . Also if they know what they are dealing with would make  it even more unbearably to cope so are being strong for themselves and dealing with things in their own way . They are not young as such so know the support is out there but don’t want it ! I on the other hand am so worried out my mind but supporting them and doing all I can but can’t help feeling upset wishing there could be more we could be doing ... if this makes sense at all ..

Hi . It does make sense what you are saying. You say the person is of the older generation and those of us in the older age group remember when cancer was only spoken in hushed terms and did not have a good outlook. As I said earlier, treatment has come a long way in the past few years and more people are beating it. This is something you have to get across. If you have an idea of the symptoms, we may be able to point you to people with experience and may be able to help. Best wishes.

I have told them this “lthat science has made this easier and lots of treatment /help out there “ still no joy . Think they know this but choose no help ! I’ve been told to accept this is their decision so be respectful and normal ! Normal !!! Doesn’t feel like that right now far from it !... if those are the wishes then that’s that,  just want to know has anyone been through this situation and how did they personal deal with it ?