A diagnosis of digestive cancer, whether colorectal, gastric, pancreatic, or others, does more than affect your body. It often takes a heavy toll on the mind, heart, and spirit, yet mental health is too frequently sidelined in cancer care. That’s why we are proud to introduce our new guide: Supporting Your Mind: A Patient Guide Through Digestive Cancer.

Developed with input from patients, caregivers, and professionals, it offers practical strategies you can use, including self-care techniques, communication tools, and pathways to support. Rather than abstract theory, it guides you through challenges specific to digestive cancer: stoma care, body image, sexuality, fertility, financial pressures, diet, and life beyond treatment. By combining emotional support with actionable steps, the booklet aims to empower rather than overwhelm. You can use the guide in many ways: bring it to medical appointments to help explain how you feel; treat it as a workbook to jot down thoughts, goals, or questions; share it with loved ones or caregivers so they understand your inner journey; use its sections as conversation starters with mental health professionals; or distribute it to patient groups or oncology centers. We hope it becomes a companion you turn to in moments of uncertainty or fatigue.

Cancer care should never treat body and mind as separate. Emotional health impacts everything, from your motivation to adhere to treatment, to your ability to find meaning and joy in life again. By releasing this guide, we hope to:

• Normalise mental health conversations in clinics
• Encourage proactive emotional care (not waiting until distress is severe)
• Strengthen connections between patients, clinicians, and psychosocial support services
• Empower you to be a fuller participant in your care plan

Speak openly, seek connection, and affirm that your mind, heart, and spirit deserve as much support as your body.

Author:

Nikola Mihinjač