Understanding Grief

This booklet has been prepared to help you understand more about your grief when someone close to you has died from cancer. Coping with grief doesn’t mean getting over the person’s death. It’s about finding ways to live with the loss. 


Everyone’s experience of grief is unique, so this booklet offers a general guide only. Although intended to be helpful, some sections may stir up a range of feelings. You may like to read the parts that seem useful now and leave the rest until you’re ready. 


We hope this information will answer some of your questions and suggest some ways to cope with your loss. It also includes a section on how to help someone who is grieving. If you find this booklet helpful, you may like to pass it on to your family or friends.  


This information was developed with help from a range of health professionals who provide bereavement support and people who have had someone close to them die from cancer.