‘It’s a difficult watch,’ Jeremy Clarkson told his Instagram followers. And in the latest episodes of Prime Video’s Clarkson’s Farm, we found out why. The 66-year-old presenter Jeremy Clarkson is filmed telling farm manager Kaleb Cooper and land agent Charlie Ireland: ‘I’ve got cancer.’ With Kaleb and Charlie visibly shocked, he adds: ‘I had a medical, remember, back in May? I disappeared off the other week and I had a biopsy and it is cancer, and it’s aggressive.’

While the former Top Gear host has recently undergone surgery for blocked arteries, the new diagnosis came as a shock. Speaking from a hospital bed on the documentary, he says: ‘I don’t know what’s going to happen.’

And it’s uncertainty and feelings of isolation that can be one of the hardest aspects of receiving bad health news. ‘Patients often report uncertainty about how they are actually going to do this, whether it is logistically, physically, psychologically or all of the above,’ says oncologist Dr Loren Rourke. ‘This is not the time to be stoic. I tell every single patient that they must ask for help. Give your support system a chance to show up. Your people – friends, family and beyond – want to help, but more often than not, they simply don’t know what to do. Whatever will lessen the load, ask for it.’

Be prepared, she adds, for an onslaught of questions. ‘The chattering monkeys is what I call all the advice, questions and commentary by the well-intended family members or friends trying to help you once the word is out. This overwhelming noise creates doubt when it comes to your own decisions, choices and plans. So, choose your confidants wisely, and keep your initial circle small.’

And, she adds, learn to push back. ‘If you don’t want someone’s help, it’s fine to say, “I’ll get back to you.” You can even ignore a call or two. Remember that you’re advocating for yourself here. Figure out what you need, and don’t be afraid or ashamed to ask for it.’

Feelings of overwhelm are common in the wake of a diagnosis – and NHS GP Dr Asimah Hanif recommends concentrating on the next step, rather than the whole future. ‘Getting a serious diagnosis can feel overwhelming. It’s common to experience shock, fear, sadness, anger or even numbness at first. There is no “right” way to react, and it’s important to give yourself permission to feel whatever comes up.

‘In the first few days, try not to focus on the entire future. Instead, concentrate on the next step – understanding the diagnosis, attending appointments and gathering the information you need. Writing down questions and bringing someone you trust to appointments can be incredibly helpful, as it can be difficult to take everything in when you’re upset.

‘Practical steps can help restore a sense of control. Learn about your condition from reliable sources, understand your treatment options, keep track of appointments and paperwork, and don’t be afraid to seek a second opinion if it would reassure you.’

Coming to terms with a diagnosis can take its toll, says Dr Hanif. ‘It’s normal to grieve the loss of certainty or changes to plans you had for the future, but if you’re struggling emotionally, speaking to a counsellor, psychologist or support group can make a real difference.

‘Over the following weeks, be kind to yourself. Try to maintain basic routines such as eating regularly, sleeping, staying active if possible and keeping in touch with supportive friends and family. It’s normal to grieve the loss of certainty or changes to plans you had for the future, but if you’re struggling emotionally, speaking to a counsellor, psychologist or support group can make a real difference.

‘Above all, remember that you don’t have to deal with everything at once. Focus on understanding what’s happening, accepting support, and taking one step at a time. What feels overwhelming today often becomes more manageable as you gain information, support and a clearer plan.’