When Someone You Know Has Cancer

By Stacy Simon As medical knowledge advances, more and more people are surviving cancer. With more than 14 million survivors and counting, chances are you know someone who’s been told they have some type of cancer. Studies have found that cancer survivors with strong emotional support tend to better adjust to the changes cancer brings to their lives, have a more positive outlook, and often report a better quality of life. Often, however, family, friends, and co-workers of cancer patients want to help, but just don’t know what to do. If someone you know has been diagnosed with cancer or another serious illness, you may be wondering how to help or what to say. Here are some ideas about where to start: RESOURCES: Stories of HopeSurvivorship: During and After TreatmentSupport Programs and Services in Your AreaInformation for Caregivers Keep in touch. Write, text, email, or call often, and keep it short. Call at times that work best for your friend. When your friend calls or texts you, answer right away. Visit. Call before you visit, and be understanding if your friend can’t see you at that time. Keep the visit short, and be understanding if the family decides it’s time to end the visit. Bring a movie to watch together, a snack to share, a book to read while your friend naps, or a newspaper to help your friend catch up on current events. Don’t be afraid to touch, hug, or shake hands with your friend. Know what...
Source: American Cancer Society :: News and Features - Category: Cancer & Oncology Tags: Coping with Cancer Source Type: news