When should I share my cancer history with someone I am dating?

• WHAT: Decide what you are disclosing, not just when: you control the depth of the information shared. Early on in dating, you can just disclose facts. Later, once trust is established, you can share more details, specific diagnoses.
• WHEN: Again, timing matters and if someone has not earned your trust, they have not earned your story.
• HOW: Before you share, write a 2-3 sentence version of what you might share and rehearse it until it feels natural. If you feel overwhelmed emotionally, maybe hold off.
• MORE HOW: When you do share your story, lead with stability and resilience. “I had breast cancer a few years ago. I am healthy now and this helped me determine what is most important to me.”
• EVEN MORE HOW: Be factual, calm and brief. Avoid over-explaining what happened to you or apologizing. Sample script might include; a) what happened (I had colon cancer), b) where you are now (I am currently stable), c) why you are sharing (Being honest is important to me)