What to expect after diagnosis
Getting a cancer diagnosis is overwhelming. You don't need to have all the answers today. Here's a guide to help you through the first steps.
Take a breath
It's completely normal to feel shocked, scared, angry, or numb. There is no right way to react. Give yourself time. You don't need to make any decisions today, and you won't be going through this alone.
Your care team
You'll be looked after by a multidisciplinary team (MDT) – a group of specialists who work together to plan your treatment. You might meet:
- •Surgeon – a colorectal or general surgeon who may operate
- •Oncologist – a specialist in chemotherapy and other cancer treatments
- •Radiation oncologist – if radiation therapy is part of your plan
- •Cancer nurse coordinator – your key contact, who helps you navigate the system
- •GP – your family doctor stays involved throughout
- •Stoma nurse– if you may need an ostomy, they'll support you before and after
Your cancer nurse coordinator is often the best person to call with day-to-day questions. Ask for their direct contact details.
What happens in the first few weeks
Things can feel like they move quickly, or frustratingly slowly. Everyone's timeline is different, but here's a general idea of what to expect:
Diagnosis and referral
Your GP or specialist confirms the diagnosis, usually after a colonoscopy and biopsy. You'll be referred to a hospital specialist team.
Scans and staging
You may have a CT scan, MRI, or other tests to see if the cancer has spread. This helps your team plan the best treatment.
MDT meeting
Your care team meets to discuss your case and recommend a treatment plan. You won't be at this meeting, but your specialist will talk you through their recommendations.
Treatment plan
You'll meet with your specialist to discuss the plan. This is your chance to ask questions and make sure you understand what's ahead. Take someone with you if you can.
Questions to ask your doctor
It's hard to think of questions when you're in shock. Here are some to take with you – write them down or save this page on your phone:
About your diagnosis
- What type of bowel cancer do I have?
- What stage is it, and what does that mean?
- Has the cancer spread anywhere else?
- Are there any genetic tests that should be done?
About your treatment
- What treatment do you recommend, and why?
- What are the benefits and risks of this treatment?
- How long will treatment take?
- What side effects should I expect?
- Will I need a stoma (ostomy)?
- Are there clinical trials I could be eligible for?
About support
- Who is my main contact if I have questions?
- What support services are available to me?
- Can I get a second opinion?
- Are there support groups I can connect with?
Tip: write down the answers too, or ask if you can record the conversation on your phone. It's hard to remember everything when you're anxious.
Take someone with you
Having a support person at appointments makes a real difference. They can take notes, ask questions you might forget, and help you process what you've heard afterwards. If nobody is available, ask the hospital if a social worker or support person can sit in.
It's OK to feel overwhelmed
You might feel fine one moment and fall apart the next. You might feel angry, or relieved to finally have an answer, or completely numb. All of this is normal. There is no timeline for processing a cancer diagnosis.
If you're struggling, our nurse support line is free and confidential. Call 0800 226 968 or email our team. You don't need to have specific questions – sometimes it helps just to talk to someone who understands.
Next steps
When you're ready, these pages can help you understand what comes next:
Talk to someone who understands
Our free nurse support line is here for you and your whānau. We can answer questions, connect you with services, and just listen.