Navigating the Emotional Impact of a Cancer Diagnosis

A cancer diagnosis can stir up a complex range of emotions like fear, sadness, anxiety, anger, and uncertainty. For many, these emotional responses are not only shaped by personal and medical challenges but also by cultural norms, generational beliefs, language barriers, and mental health stigma that can make seeking help even harder.

This webinar will offer a safe and inclusive space to talk openly about the emotional weight of cancer and how mental health is often experienced and understood differently across communities. Featuring MSK psychiatrist Dr. Monique James and a panel of diverse patient advocates from historically minoritized communities, the conversation will explore how culture, race, identity, and lived experience influence how people process a diagnosis and seek support.

We’ll discuss how to recognize when emotional distress becomes too heavy to carry alone, how to access mental health support, and why culturally responsive care matters. Whether you are a patient or a care partner, this program aims to validate your experience, break down barriers, and connect you with resources and hope.