How do I tell my partner? My child(ren)? My friends? When should I tell them? How much do they need to know? How much do I want them to know? Is it easier not to tell my young children at all? Should I tell them?

Starting the conversation with someone you trust—such as your partner or a close friend—can be an essential first step. You may want to postpone the initial conversation with some close family members until you have a clearer understanding of your prognosis, treatment options, and schedule. But remember: it is best if your loved ones hear the news directly from you.

It's normal to worry about how your family and friends will react. They may be dealing with their own concerns while trying to stay strong for you. Openly sharing your feelings can help everyone support each other better.

Some people may struggle to find the right words or worry about accidentally hurting your feelings. Others may want to protect their loved ones by not sharing when they feel bad, or when they are in pain or afraid. But this carries a risk: it can lead to mistrust if others sense something is wrong.

By being open and honest when you're not feeling well, your loved ones are more likely to believe you when you say you are doing okay. It's also important to always be truthful about how you feel both physically and emotionally.

1 Communication strategies that can help:

• See the first conversation as a starting point—it begins an ongoing process of sharing information and reassurance.
• It's okay to become emotional.
• Explore how you feel and what you're comfortable sharing with others.

2 How do I talk to my broader social circle?

It's important that you decide who you feel comfortable talking to about your condition. You are not obligated to inform everyone you know, and the way you share the news may vary from person to person. It can be helpful to make a list of people you want to speak with personally.

It's also essential to clearly communicate practical matters to others—such as when visits are welcome. Some people may hesitate to reach out out of respect for your privacy. Take the initiative to connect with those you want to talk to.