How Can I Support My Friend Who Was Diagnosed With Cancer?

It can be tough to know how to show your support for a loved one with cancer. You want to do everything you can to support them, but it’s hard to know what to do.

You may feel like you need to tiptoe around them or avoid asking specific questions. You may also feel like you’re at a loss for words when offering your support.

However, it’s important to remember that your loved one is still the same person they were before their diagnosis.

There are plenty of ways to show your support and let them know you’re there for them. Here are a few ideas:

1. Ask how they’re doing and actually listen to the answer

It can be easy to get wrapped up in our lives and forget to check in with our loved ones. Asking how they’re doing shows that you care and are interested in hearing about how they’re really feeling – not just the “I’m fine” response we often give when we’re not really fine.

Listening without judging or offering advice can be incredibly helpful for cancer patients. Sometimes, they just need to vent or share what’s on their mind without worrying about someone trying to fix the situation.

Be there to listen when they need to talk. Just being there for them is sometimes all they need.

2. Offer to help out with practical tasks

Cancer patients often have a lot on their plate, both physically and emotionally. Offer to run errands, do household chores, cook meals, or clean the house. This will take some of their burdens and give them more time and energy to focus on their treatment and recovery.

 

3. Be a shoulder to cry on – literally

Sometimes, all a cancer patient needs is a good hug. Just being there for them can make a world of difference. Offer physical comfort when they need it and let them know it’s okay to feel scared, angry, or sad.

 

4. Make sure they’re eating healthy meals and getting enough rest

Cancer treatment can be exhausting, and eating healthy will help them have the energy they need to get through each day.

 

5. Send them cards or quotes that inspire strength and hope

Remind them that they’re not alone in this fight.

 

6. Consider donating money or time to cancer charities in their honor

This is a great way to show your support and make a difference simultaneously.

There are endless ways to show your support for a loved one with cancer – it just takes a little bit of creativity and thoughtfulness.

Remember that your loved one is still the same person they were before their diagnosis, and treat them accordingly. Showing your support will mean the world to them during this difficult time.

Ready to support cancer warriors undergoing chemotherapy?

More from Beyond the Blog

Giving Back with the Winn-Dixie Community Bag Program

Giving Back with the Winn-Dixie Community Bag Program

Have you ever wished there was an easy way to give back to your community? Well, there is with the Winn-Dixie Community Bag Program! Not only does this program help out local non-profits, but it also helps to reduce single-use plastics. So you can feel good about...

Partner with Beyond Basic Needs

Partner with Beyond Basic Needs

We spend hundreds of hours with our coworkers. We know about their families, their hobbies, their pets, and now we see what the insides of their homes look like. However, it’s my experience in a corporate setting; the minute a medical event happens, we freeze. Team...

How to Setup a Fundraiser on Instagram

How to Setup a Fundraiser on Instagram

Did you know you could set up a Fundraiser on Instagram to benefit Beyond Basic Needs in less than 2 minutes? 1. To get started on Instagram, click Create a Post or '(+)' in the top right of your screen. 2. Tap 'post' and select a photo (images are available here) 3....

How to Setup a Fundraiser on Facebook

How to Setup a Fundraiser on Facebook

Did you know you could set up a Fundraiser on Facebook to benefit Beyond Basic Needs in less than 2 minutes? To get started on Facebook, visit: https://www.facebook.com/fund/beyondbasicneeds/ If this link isn't working for you, please visit Beyond Basic Needs in the...

From Darkness to Light

From Darkness to Light

by Mikaela Rossman Clark There are firsts in life that you always remember. Your first kiss. First pet. First roller coaster ride. The first time you hop on a plane for an epic adventure.   And for me--the first time I heard the word ‘cancer’ from a doctor...