People who learn they have cancer can feel frightened, upset and depressed, and a diagnosis of advanced stage cancer can generate intense anxiety. People with advanced stage cancer may be anxious about their deteriorating health and the nearness of death, disruption in their close relationships caused by current or future changes in health, and grief for the life planned and expected prior to learning they had advanced stage cancer. There are treatments for reducing intense anxiety, such as Valium and related drugs, but these drugs have unwanted side effects that may be especially distressing for people already taking medication for pain control and seeking to remain clear-headed.