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Feb 29, 2024 · Want to help a loved one who’s been diagnosed with cancer? Here’s what other patients found helpful during their treatment.
We offer a support system for people with cancer and their family, friends and caregivers. Our programs and services help answer your questions about cancer, manage life with cancer, find community and connection, and build wellness and resilience.
- Control your emotions, but be honest. When someone receives a diagnosis of cancer, the range and intensity of emotions can be overwhelming. Controlling your own emotions may be difficult, but your emotional stability is what your family member needs now.
- Listen. It can be hard to know what to say and when to say it. Listening is sometimes the best thing you can do for your family member. This allows them to feel heard, understood and valued.
- Expect a range of responses and emotions. A cancer diagnosis is not a death sentence for many people. Depending on the diagnosis and prognosis, recovery is possible.
- Put aside family differences. Family dynamics can be complicated. Current and past conflicts or disagreements can come into focus during times of stress.
Find out the many ways you can help a friend, co-worker or family member with cancer, from listening and being there to taking a major role in caregiving.
- Listen first. Not sure what to say? That’s OK. Sometimes your friend may not even want to talk. But that doesn’t mean they don’t want you there. Often it’s enough just to sit quietly with your friend.
- Don’t worry that you’ll say the wrong thing. At some point you have to talk – even if it makes you feel awkward. There are no perfect words, but “What are you feeling?”
- Learn about the type of cancer your friend has. Cancer comes in many forms. Each can have different effects. Your friend may not wish to explain theirs to you because it’s draining emotionally and physically to do so again and again.
- Make sure the time is right for you to visit. A visit to your friend can boost their spirits and yours, plus give caregivers a much-needed break. Just remember always to contact them first and be sure they’re up to it.
There are many ways that you can help people with cancer or the people who are caring for them. Having help with some practical or everyday parts of life can allow the person with cancer and their caregivers to concentrate on other things, such as treatment or getting rest.
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People with cancer need support from friends. Learn how you can help, support and encourage your friend with cancer.
