My boyfriend left me after I was treated for cervical cancer. How can I regain my confidence about dating?

This may be a challenge for you. Fear of rejection keeps some cancer patients from seeking an enjoyable social life, but this doesn't have to happen. Here are some things to think about:

• Try not to let your cancer be an excuse for not meeting new men.
• Start by working on other areas of your social life besides dating. Make an effort to see friends and family. Try a new activity. Join a club. Take a class. These activities can help make you more comfortable being around people.
• Make a list of your good points. Think about what you can bring to a relationship.
• When you meet a man, you don't need to tell him about your cancer right away. But you can practice what to say about your cancer, think about how he might react, and be ready with a response.
• Remember that dating is a learning process. When a new relationship doesn't work out (and this can happen with or without cancer), you have not failed.

For more information about issues that cancer survivors face, call the Cancer Information Service at 1-800-4-CANCER and ask for a free copy of "Life After Cancer Treatment."

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