Although different cancer patients have different psycological responses to his/her own cancer, for a typical cancer patient there are five psychological stages:

1. Denial: The cancer patient refuses to believe that he or she has cancer and is dying.
2. Anger: The cancer patient may become angry at the physician, hospital staff, and family member.
3. Bargaining: The cancer patient may try to strike a bargain with God (For example, I promise to go to church every day if only I can get rid of this disease)
4. Preoccupation: The patient become preoccupied with death and may be emotionally detached.
5. Acceptance: The patient is calm and accepting of his fate.