A diagnosis of cancer can be one of the most devastating announcements in a person’s life. And yet, a positive attitude is said to be of the utmost importance when fighting the disease.

21, Female asks Alana: I have a bad history with men. I have feared them to the point that, with a few exceptions, I can’t stand to be touched by them. I’ve gotten better over the years and now have several guy friends and recently even had a serious relationship. Then, last fall, my boyfriend dumped me saying that he had just been trying to use me for sex. I don’t want this to affect the progress I’ve made, but its getting harder to keep from flinching around any man now. What do you suggest?