- There are no set rules for supporting someone with cancer, so consider your friend’s personality and preferences to help guide you.
- Since just being there for your friend is meaningful, regularly send texts or make calls to let them know they’re important to you.
- Sometimes it’s the little things that mean the most, so it can help to give small gifts and find practical ways to offer assistance.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 1.6 million Americans are diagnosed with cancer every year. If someone you know recently received a cancer diagnosis, then you might be wondering how to support them.
Every friendship is different, but here are some ideas to help you approach the situation and show you care. Let’s take a look at how to talk with your friend, thoughtful ways to help, and more things to keep in mind.
Prepare Yourself
Before talking with your friend, take some time to prepare yourself. Since it can be emotionally difficult to learn a friend has cancer, it can help to acknowledge your feelings and allow yourself to be sad. Then, you can focus on your friend instead of your emotions when you talk to them.
It can also help to prepare yourself for potential changes to your friend’s appearance. For example, side effects of cancer and cancer treatments can include hair loss, fatigue, and weight changes.