Exploring Cancer’s Impact on Identity: Insights for Supporting Others

Exploring Cancer’s Impact on Identity: Insights for Supporting Others

People affected by cancer often experience a profound shift in how they view themselves and life as a whole. This change can bring both new perspectives and difficult challenges.

This session takes a focused look at how cancer can affect personal identity and how this can impact the people you support. We will explore how those living with or beyond cancer can be seen by others versus how they may see themselves, including the importance of not being defined by cancer. Using examples from lived experience, we will look at the sense of identity before and after cancer, and consider how common narratives around the illness can sometimes be harmful.

By the end of the session, you will have a better understanding of these identity changes and a stronger sense of how to support the person behind the diagnosis.