The biggest challenge for a cancer patient is the fear of the unknown

When you hear those words, “you have cancer”, those 20-30 seconds can change your life. 

Finding out you have cancer can be very stressful. Worse yet, the current clinical response is complex and stuck in the past. As a result, cancer patients and their families often get “lost’ in the cancer experience.

“Cancer treatment is the use of surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, medications and other therapies to cure a cancer, shrink a cancer or stop the progression of a cancer. Many cancer treatments exist. Depending on your particular situation, you may receive one treatment or you may receive a combination of treatments”

- Mayo Clinic

Let’s change the world of cancer.

What’s needed is a cancer coping mind shift. Most people feel like they are in shock, overwhelmed, and devastated. They may even be angry, sad or just feel numb. The fear of the unknown is probably the hardest thing to deal with.

Crisis intervention is needed the moment a person receives their cancer diagnosis. A listening ear, assistance getting home, help to process the horrible news. There are suddenly so many decisions to make about treatments, possible surgery, and recovery.

One part of the cancer process that often gets pushed aside is the psychological aspect.* How do you manage the many emotions that come with it?

It’s a lot to deal with.

*This is one of the most urgent needs identified in the Cancer Control Alberta Supportive Care Framework 2016. Page 104-105

Cancer does not define who you are. Each one of us, enriches the environment of all of us.

PEPY’s goal is to create an unstoppable global mind shift away from a “clinical path” towards a more people empowered “human path” as the first step to coping with cancer.

Some people have the mindset that cancer can be an opportunity. That does not mean that it's a good thing, but that going through it can help you recognize a deeper appreciation for life or a deeper connection with others or a revived sense of clarity on the ways you want to live your life.

If you battle cancer with hope, perseverance and a little bit of grit, but lose your battle – people will remember your determination and that you held onto a greater purpose in life. This will play a major role in motivating others.