Coping with Cancer Treatment: 10 Strategies to Avoid Overwhelm

Every person’s experience with cancer is different, and treatment can be physically and emotionally demanding. There isn’t a 'right way' to feel. However you feel, your feelings are valid.

These ideas come from years of conversations with people going through cancer treatment. They’re not rules or tasks - just practical ways that can sometimes make things feel more manageable. Take what helps and leave anything that doesn’t feel right for you at the moment.

1. Set realistic goals during cancer treatment

When life feels full, even ordinary tasks can stretch your bandwidth. Keeping goals small and realistic can create breathing space. Taking things one step at a time can make the day feel more doable.

2. Prioritise what matters today

A long to-do list can feel heavy during cancer treatment. Choosing the one or two things that matter most today can bring clarity. Your capacity may look different at the moment, and offering yourself a little grace around that change can help ease some of the pressure. Anything else you manage is simply a bonus. There’s no expectation to get everything done perfectly.

3. Ask for help and delegate where you can

If others are offering support but aren’t sure how to help, naming specific things can make a real difference - whether that’s a lift to an appointment, help with meals, or a practical task that frees up your energy. It can strengthen your support network and ease pressure on you.

Many people genuinely want to help but don’t know what would be most useful, and giving them something clear to do can make it easier for them too.

4. Spend time in nature or bring nature to you

Being outside, even briefly, can calm the nervous system. If getting out isn’t easy, sitting by an open window or noticing the sky for a moment can shift how the day feels. Some people also find mindfulness or short guided meditations helpful.

5. Set boundaries and protect your energy

Saying no can feel unfamiliar, but it can protect your physical and emotional reserves. Spending time with people who uplift you, and stepping back from those who drain your energy (the classic “energy vampires”), can make a big difference.

6. Keep a routine to support steadier days

Your body often responds well to routine during treatment. Keeping to similar sleep and wake times can help keep things in a steadier rhythm during treatment, which can buffer some of the twists and turns that the day brings. A simple wind-down routine in the evening can also support more settled sleep.

7. Nourish yourself with supportive nutrition during treatment

Staying hydrated and eating in a way that supports your needs can help you feel and function better during treatment. This isn’t about perfection - just small, nourishing changes where possible. If you drink alcohol, it can be tempting to use it to unwind when things feel overwhelming. But it often leaves people feeling worse later. Cutting back can support your recovery and resilience.

8. Take things at your own pace

On difficult days, focusing on one day, or one hour, or 15 minutes at a time can reduce overwhelm. Finding the pace that works for you is part of looking after yourself.

9. Seek financial support if needed

Money worries add a layer of stress that you don’t need right now. Your Clinical Nurse Specialist can signpost you to benefits advice, and charities like Macmillan Cancer Support offer practical guidance. Many hospitals also have small funds to help with essential items. Talking to someone about money worries can make it easier to find the support that’s available.

10. Look after your emotional wellbeing and find support that fits you

Emotions can feel much closer to the surface during cancer treatment. Letting things “hit the air” with someone you trust can bring relief. Support might come from counselling, peer groups, charities, or conversations with people who understand. If social media leaves you feeling unsettled or overstimulated, stepping back can create space for steadier ground.

Cancer treatment asks a lot of you. If overwhelm shows up, it doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong - it’s a human response to a demanding time. Small, meaningful steps and the right support can help you feel more grounded, whatever this stage looks like for you.

Written by Meredy Birdi, a dual-qualified oncology dietitian and nutritional therapist specialising in supporting people affected by cancer.

This blog is for general information only and is not a substitute for individual medical or dietetic advice.