What Happens After a Cancer Diagnosis?

A cancer diagnosis can leave you wondering, “What do I do now?” Between new medical terms, appointments, treatment decisions, and a flood of information, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

The good news? You don't have to figure it all out at once.

Start with a few important steps:

Take a breath and give yourself time to process.
Learn about your diagnosis and ask questions until you understand your options.
Get organized by keeping your medical information, medications, appointments, and questions in one place.
Build your support team and don't be afraid to ask for help.
Turn to trusted resources rather than trying to navigate an overwhelming amount of information online.
Remember your emotional and practical needs, too. Cancer affects more than just your physical health.

That's where Bag It Cancer can help. The Bag It Bag and My Companion Guidebook provide practical tools and trusted information to help patients and caregivers feel more prepared, organized, and empowered throughout their cancer experience.

A diagnosis may change your path,

but you don't have to navigate it alone.

Read our full guide, “What Happens After a Cancer Diagnosis: First Steps to Take,” for practical tips, questions to ask, and resources to help you take the next step.

You're Invited for

Breakfast with Bag It

Join us for an inspiring morning of education, connection, and hope on Thursday, October 29th, from 7:30-9:00 am at the Community Foundation Campus (5049 E. Broadway Boulevard, Tucson).

Genetic Counseling & Testing

Juliana Williams, MS CGC

Learn more about the role of genetic counseling and genetic testing in cancer care and how they can be helpful for patients and their families.

A Personal Story

Kimberly Poole

Hear firsthand how information, support, and connection can make a difference during cancer.

A Look Ahead

Discover how Bag It is expanding its reach and helping more people navigate cancer with confidence.

Enjoy a wonderful breakfast with everyone interested in supporting

the Bag It Cancer mission.

Individual tickets are $25 | Host a table of 6 for $200

Your support helps Bag It provide information, resources, and support to people facing cancer.

Can’t Join Us For The Breakfast?

Help us meet the $5,000 Challenge Grant from Nova Home Loans. Your support can make an even greater impact.

Breakfast with Bag It Raffle

Tickets are 3 for $50 – ONLY 200 Will Be Sold

Miraval Resort Arizona, 2-night stay for 2 guests
AZ Ranch, 2-night stay for 2 guests
El Conquistador Tucson, 1-night stay and breakfast for 2 guests

Online Raffle entries must be received by Wednesday, October 28 at 6:00 pm MST. Raffle winners will be drawn and announced on October 29, 2026. Winners do not need to be present at the Breakfast.

Partner Spotlight

We are honored to partner with CLL Society, a nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing the unmet needs of people living with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL). Through education, support, advocacy, and research, CLL Society works to empower patients, caregivers, and families with trusted information and resources to better understand their diagnosis, treatment options, and ongoing care. Their commitment to patient education and support helps individuals feel informed, connected, and empowered throughout their CLL journey.

Together, Bag It and CLL Society, with sponsorship from Lilly, have collaborated to expand access to reliable, patient-centered CLL resources through our CLL Bag. This resource is designed to help individuals better understand their diagnosis, prepare for conversations with their healthcare team, navigate treatment and support options, and feel more confident throughout their cancer journey.

Learn more about CLL Society here.

If you or someone you know was diagnosed with CLL, order a CLL Bag It Bag today, with the code BINEWS25. Each bag is filled with trusted educational resources to help patients and caregivers navigate diagnosis and treatment with confidence.

Looking for information on another cancer type? Explore all of our cancer-specific Bag It Bags here.

Healthcare providers interested in ordering Bag It Bags for their patients can contact us at hcpoutreach@bagitcancer.org.

Mark Your Calendar

Bag It Sessions for Healthcare Providers (virtual)

If you are interested in learning more about how you can have Bag It Bags in your practice for your patients, join us for an upcoming Info Session.

Wednesday, September 23 | 1:00 pm AZ time/4:00 pm EST | Register Here

Thursday, October 15, 2026 | 8:00 am AZ time/11:00 am EST | Register Here

Wednesday, November 18, 2026 | 10:00 am AZ time/12:00 pm EST | Register Here

Triage Cancer Webinar - Open Enrollment: Reviewing, Reevaluating, Renewing (virtual)

Tuesday, September 22 | 11:00 am PST/2:00 pm EST

This webinar will cover key information about the open enrollment process, including important deadlines and steps for reviewing, reevaluating, and renewing coverage – as well as picking new coverage. Register Here

2026 Breast Cancer Bilingual Conference (Tucson, AZ)

Saturday, October 3 | 8:30 am - 12 pm

This celebration and recognition of breast cancer survivors will include bilingual education, resources, and support as well as networking for individuals, caregivers, and families. Bag It is hosting a table at this free event.

University of AZ Cancer Center Town Hall (Tucson, AZ)

Tuesday, October 13 | 4:30 - 6:30 pm

Join the Cancer Center and Ginny L. Clements Breast Cancer Research Center for an inspiring in-person town hall focused on the future of breast cancer care, cutting-edge advancements, and life beyond diagnosis. Bag It's ED, Mindy Griffith, will be serving on a panel.

Breakfast with Bag It (Tucson, AZ)

Thursday, October 29 | 7:30 - 9:00 am

Join us for an inspiring morning of education, connection, and hope. This year’s Breakfast with Bag It will feature an educational presentation on genetic and hereditary cancer testing, a personal cancer journey, and an opportunity to learn more about the impact of Bag It Cancer’s programs.

Triage Cancer Conference (virtual)

Friday and Saturday, November 6-7

Triage Cancer® offers a series of FREE educational conferences on cancer-related topics including navigating finances, health and disability insurance, employment rights, advocacy, and more. Conferences are designed for individuals diagnosed with cancer, caregivers, advocates, and oncology health care professionals. Register Here

Share Your Thoughts

Provide Feedback on

the Bag It Bag!

Share your experience with a Bag It Bag by completing our feedback form or submitting a written testimonial. As a thank you, you'll be entered into our quarterly drawing for a $25 Amazon gift card.

Next drawing: September 30th!

Leave a Bag It

Google Review!

Help others discover Bag It by leaving us a Google review. Even a few sentences about your experience can make a meaningful difference for someone searching for trusted cancer resources.

Bag It helps patients, caregivers, and cancer advocates to Fight the Fear of Cancer through our two key programs: the Bag It Bag and Escape to THRIVE. The Bag helps anyone with any type of cancer to cope with their diagnosis and become active members of their treatment team. Escape to THRIVE is a national leadership conference to support cancer advocates.

Bag it Cancer | 5049 E Broadway Blvd Ste 155 | Tucson, AZ 85711 US

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