The Feeling of Guilt

Many people with cancer feel guilty. For example, you may blame yourself for upsetting the people you love. You may worry that you are a burden to others, either emotionally or financially. Or you may envy other people's good health and be ashamed of this feeling. You might even blame yourself for lifestyle choices that could have led to your cancer. For example, that lying out in the sun caused your skin cancer or that smoking cigarettes led to your lung cancer.
These feelings are all normal. One woman with breast cancer said,
"When I start to feel guilty that I caused my illness, I think of how little children get cancer. That makes me realize that cancer can just happen. It isn't my fault."
Your family and friends may also feel guilty because:

• they are healthy while you are sick
• they can't help you as much as they want
• they feel stressed and impatient

They may also feel guilty when they don't think they can give you all the care and understanding you need.
Counseling and support groups can help with these feelings of guilt. Let your doctor or nurse know if you, or someone in your family, would like to talk with a counselor or go to a support group.