How To Support Someone Diagnosed With Breast Cancer

1. Be available to listen. Let your friend know that you’re available to come over when needed. …
2. Let her know if you don’t mind taking a call from her in the middle of the night. …
3. Just be yourself. …
4. Let her know you care. …
5. Phone her, but be respectful of her needs. …
6. Visit, but phone first to check it’s okay.

Full Answer

What to say to a friend with breast cancer?

When I Was Diagnosed With Breast Cancer, My Friends Showed Up in All the Right Ways

* You may be thinking that of course, my friends would show up. Isn’t that what friends are for? …
* Thankfully, things were quite different this go-round. For starters, I ditched the bad friends. …
* This breast cancer battle was much different than the first. …
* I also appreciated our phone conversations. …

How to help a friend diagnosed with breast cancer?

* Take Time to Prepare Yourself. Process your own feelings beforehand. Learning that a friend has cancer can be difficult news to hear.
* Helpful tips when supporting a friend. Ask permission. …
* Offering practical help. Your help with daily tasks and chores is often valuable for a friend with cancer. …

How to support a loved one with breast cancer?

Take a look at the following examples:

* Bring a funny movie you can watch together
* Gift snacks or baked goods that they can enjoy eating
* Buy them super comfortable pajamas they can lounge in during their recovery
* Gift them a soft, fuzzy blanket to curl up in

How to lower your risk for breast cancer?

What Can I Do to Reduce My Risk of Breast Cancer?

* Keep a healthy weight.
* Exercise regularly.
* Don’t drink alcohol, or limit alcoholic drinks.
* If you are taking, or have been told to take, hormone replacement therapy external icon or oral contraceptives external icon (birth control pills), ask your doctor about the risks and …
* Breastfeed your children, if possible.

More items…

What to say to someone who has just been diagnosed with breast cancer?

What to Say to a Cancer Patient”We’ll get through this together. … “I am praying for you.””Go to MD Anderson. … “I am here for you.” Then follow through and really be there.Don’t ask what you can do to help or say, “Let me know if you need anything.” Many people will never ask for help even though they need it.More items…•

How can I help a family member with breast cancer?

5 Ways to Support a Loved One Who Has Breast CancerTip #1: Listen. After someone has been diagnosed with cancer, especially during the first few days, they’ll likely be overflowing with emotions. … Tip #2: Don’t Ask, Just Do. … Tip #3: Be a Quiet Observer. … Tip #4: Be a Wingman. … Tip #5: Don’t Compare.

What do you give a friend who has been diagnosed with breast cancer?

Caregivers and supportive friends and family are also impacted by the diagnosis….There are so many great ideas, but we’ve got some favorites to share with you!Essential Oils. First up: Essential Oils! … Shower Lanyards. … Tea bags, mints, and candies. … Lip Balms. … Moisturizers. … Tumblers. … Nonslip Socks. … Gentle Body Soaps.More items…•

How do you comfort someone who has just been diagnosed with cancer?

Here are some ideas:”I’m not sure what to say, but I want you to know I care”.”I’m sorry to hear that you are going through this”.”How are you doing?””If you would like to talk about it, I’m here”.”Please let me know how I can help”.”I’ll keep you in my thoughts”.

What do you put in a breast cancer care package?

7 Breast Cancer Care Package Ideas to Show You CareBooks & Magazines. Gift your loved one some entertainment during treatment or long hospital stays. … A Handwritten Card. … Practical Items. … Homemade Crafts. … Head Coverings. … Post Surgery Clothing. … Healthy Snacks.

What should you not say to someone with cancer?

What not to say to someone who has cancer“Everything is going to be OK.”“I had a friend who died of cancer.””I know exactly how you feel.”“You’re lucky it’s XYZ cancer instead of ABC cancer.”“You look great! … “Don’t compare your breast augmentation, reduction, or lift to their mastectomy.”More items…•

How do you cheer up someone with cancer?

What you can do: VisitsAlways call before you visit. … Schedule a visit that allows you to give physical and emotional support for the caregiver, too. … Make short, regular visits rather than long, infrequent ones. … Begin and end the visit with a touch, a hug, or a handshake.Be understanding if you are asked .More items…•

What food is good for cancer patients?

Diet for Cancer Patients During ChemotherapyPlain or Fruited yogurt.Fresh fruit and cottage cheese.Poached egg and toast.Toasted bagel with a small amount of peanut butter.Cereal and milk (try Lactaid® milk, or Soy milk, if lactose intolerant)Chicken rice soup with saltine crackers.

What are the emotional stages of cancer?

The Five Stages of Dealing with a Cancer DiagnosisState 1: Denial. … Stage 2: Anger. … Stage 3: Bargaining. … Stage 4: Sadness and depression. … Stage 5: Acceptance.

What to write to someone who is battling cancer?

If you’re struggling to find the right words, here are 12 kind things to say to someone with cancer:“I’m here for you.” … “You are in my thoughts and prayers.” … “I’m so sorry you’re going through this.” … “Let me help you with…” … Tell a Joke. … “How are you doing?” … “Any time you need to talk, I’ll listen.”More items…•

How can I help my sister with breast cancer?

Offering specific help means both parties understand what’s on offer….Things you might offer to help with include:cleaning and vacuuming.clothes washing and ironing.gardening.cooking meals for freezing.transport to and from hospital appointments.taking children to or from school.babysitting.

How do you cheer up someone with cancer?

What you can do: VisitsAlways call before you visit. … Schedule a visit that allows you to give physical and emotional support for the caregiver, too. … Make short, regular visits rather than long, infrequent ones. … Begin and end the visit with a touch, a hug, or a handshake.Be understanding if you are asked .More items…•

What cancer did Bontempo have?

Bontempo didn’t mince words when she was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma. She invited everyone via a Facebook post to help her kick cancer’s ass. Her office responded with a “Go Kick Cancer’s Ass!”. party that included a cake with the same message.

What did Victoria Irwin do during chemo?

chemo, a lumpectomy, and radiation, for example, liked having companions with her during chemo while Victoria Irwin, who spent her chemo time in solitary pursuits like reading, preferred to save friends’ graciousness for another time.

Can you talk to someone with breast cancer?

Talking directly to other people with breast cancer, however, can be helpful. “If a friend gave me a survivor’s contact information, that was beneficial,” says Steele, who could follow up with a call when she felt like it.

Is it wise to presuppose how someone should feel at any stage of breast cancer?

It’s never wise to presuppose how someone should feel at any stage of breast cancer—and that includes near the end of treatment, says Broderick. “It can be scary at the end of the treatment because the patient is going out from under the protection of the medical wing,” Broderick says.

How to help someone with breast cancer?

So when it comes to offering support to those with breast cancer, Cannady’s first piece of advice is to find ways to broach the subject of fear and be open to hearing the patient’s concerns. Don’t be afraid to talk about the cancer. Let them know you are a safe person for them to discuss their fears and concerns.

How many women died from breast cancer in 2015?

The good news is that breast cancer mortality rates in women have dropped to 2.7 percent – that’s a decrease of 39 percent, from 33.2 annual deaths per 100,000 women in 1989 to 20.3 annual deaths per 100,000 women in 2015. There are currently more than 1.3 million breast cancer survivors. If someone you love is one of them, here are ten ways you can support her.

What to say to someone newly diagnosed with breast cancer

When someone has recently been diagnosed or is within the first few weeks after diagnosis, there can be a lot that is unknown for everyone involved. Whether you are a caregiver or a friend, you’ll have your own individual reactions to this news. “Fear, anger, sadness — a variety of feelings are possible,” says Ms. Grosklags.

What to say to someone newly diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer

If you learn that someone in your life has been diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer, which includes stage IV, you may already know that this is breast cancer that has spread to another part of the body. This news can trigger anger, fear, stress, or sadness for the person who’s been diagnosed and for the people who love and care for them.

What to say to someone in treatment for breast cancer

After the initial diagnosis and as cancer treatment gets underway, Ms. Grosklags says, “in all the days, weeks, and months that follow, people will continue to need support.” Active or ongoing treatment will bring new challenges. Remind your loved one that you want to be of help, and give concrete examples of things you are willing and able to do.

What to say to someone who has finished active treatment

If your loved one is being treated for early stage breast cancer, the initial, main part of treatment will come to an end. When treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or targeted therapy are finished, it’s normal to experience different feelings. Still, while supportive roles may shift, you are still vitally important.

What NOT to say to someone who has breast cancer

There are many ways to express your love and support for a person with breast cancer. Needs and feelings may change and evolve over time, and even within the course of single day. Mistakes will be made and feelings may be hurt, but remember, you are each doing the best you can, reassures Ms. Grosklags. “The best medicine is love and trust.

Being Unsure What to Say Is Normal

First, it’s OK if you don’t know what to say to your friend. There are no classes on how to support someone who has cancer or how to respond to the news of a diagnosis. It’s understandable, on both sides, to be at a loss for words.

Help Extends Beyond the Kitchen

When she was going through treatment, Sade says, her family received dozens of well-intentioned trays of pasta with red sauce that filled the freezer. But she and her husband didn’t eat red meat and their daughter was vegan, so the trays largely went to waste.

Be Patient and Understanding

If your friend declines any help or says they don’t want to be a bother, remind them that “it’s OK to accept help, and that, if the situation were reversed, you know they would do the same for you,” Sade says.

Care for the Caregivers, Too

Lewis and Sade also stress the importance of caring for the caregiver. Offer to take your friend out for a walk or to get coffee — something that feels normal and would provide the caregiver and their family a little break.

What to do when your friend has cancer?

What you can do: Visits. Cancer can be very isolating. Try to spend time with your friend – you may be a welcome distraction and help them feel like they did before cancer became a major focus of their life. Always call before you visit. Be understanding if your friend can’t see you at that time.

How to talk about cancer?

Be afraid to talk about the illness. Always feel you have to talk about cancer. The person with cancer may enjoy conversations that don’t involve the illness. Be afraid to hug or touch your friend if that was a part of your friendship before the illness. Be patronizing or stigmatizing.

How to help a friend who is facing a difficult time?

Keep in mind that wanting to help and offering to be there for your friend is what matters most. Take care of any urgent errands your friend or the caregiver needs right away. Run an errand for the caregiver; it’s as helpful as an errand for your friend.

How to help a caregiver who is out of the house?

Schedule a visit that allows you to give physical and emotional support for the caregiver, too. Maybe you can arrange to stay with your friend while the caregiver gets out of the house for a couple of hours.

How to help a friend with chemo?

Make lunch for your friend and their caregiver one day a week. If your friend is getting chemo, ask what they feel like eating.

How to help a friend in a friendship?

Help your friend keep an active role in the friendship by asking advice, opinions, and questions – even if you don’t get the response you expect.

What to do if your friend needs medical equipment?

If your friend needs medical equipment or money for treatment, you can look into getting something donated or organizing ways to help raise money,

How to help someone who is coping with cancer?

When someone is coping with cancer and working, they could feel sensitive to being treated differently or with special treatment. Try to avoid special work favors or suggesting that they aren’t up to the workload. You want to treat them with respect and dignity.

How to deal with a family member with cancer?

Sometimes, dealing with a family member with cancer can be physically and emotionally draining. Offer some diversions like a walk in the park or visiting with friends or anything that you know can bring some relief and comfort. Don’t hesitate to ask what your friend might prefer and make sure it happens by scheduling the activity.

What happens when you get cancer?

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 . When we are upset, angry, or confused, we look to others to give us an emotional anchor to hold on to.

How to cope with losing someone?

It is normal to cope with your feelings about losing someone by thinking that a miracle will occur. Try and accept the fact that the person you care about will die. Touting cures or other ideas about treatment is not helpful and could be very harmful. However, if the person with cancer indicates they want people to be positive, then do that. Bring as much joy, laughter, and love into the journey as possible.

Why is it important to listen to your family?

Listening is sometimes the best thing you can do for your family member. This allows them to feel heard, understood and valued. By listening, you will get a much better understanding of what your loved one is feeling and what they need.

What happens when you are diagnosed with cancer?

They often don’t look their best. They might be embarrassed or humiliated by their condition.

What are some difficult conversations with cancer patients?

Have difficult conversations. Depending on the situation, difficult conversations can include end-of-life planning and estate planning. For someone diagnosed with cancer, there can be treatment decisions that require support and sometimes advice.

What to say to someone with cancer?

If you’re struggling to find the right words, here are 12 kind things to say to someone with cancer: “I’m here for you.”. “You are in my thoughts and prayers.”. “This stinks.”. “Let me help you with…”. Tell a joke. “You are not alone.”. “Any time you need to talk, I’ll listen.”. “What day works for a visit?”.

How to show support to a friend?

During this difficult time, it’s crucial to show your support by planning regular visits. This will give your friend or family member a sense of community and help them feel like things are more normal. For example, the CaringBridge Planner helps you coordinate care and organize needs like bringing meals, rides to doctor appointments or taking care of pets.

What is a caring bridge?

When you’re going through a health journey, you have a lot on your plate. CaringBridge replaces the time-consuming task of sharing your health news over and over. It’s a free, easy to use online journal for sharing health information with your family and friends.

How to show up for a visit?

Visit your loved one whether they’re at home or in the hospital. Showing up can also be as simple as sending a text or a call. Sometimes it is the small gestures that matter the most.

How to help someone who is unknown?

While they enter a new hurdle of their life, you can help by creating some familiarity for them during a period of unknown.

How to make someone feel positive?

A little motivation goes a long way. Pump your loved one up. Make them feel powerful. Whatever words you choose to convey this, they may appreciate the positivity despite a negative situation.

What to say instead of asking your loved one how you can help?

This is one of the most helpful things you can say. Instead of asking your loved one how you can help, tell them specifically what you’re able to help with. Treatment, doctor’s appointments and physical symptoms make it difficult to keep up with day-to-day life.

How to help someone with cancer?

12. Maintain some normalcy. Remember, people with cancer aren’t just cancer patients, and they don’t want to be treated differently. 13. Stay positive. 14. Give them a roll of quarters for the hospital vending machines, or give them a bag of their favorite snacks.

How to help a cancer patient?

Visit. Cancer patients and caregivers are still people, and they want to see you, talk to you and laugh with you. 2. Listen. Ask questions to show you care, but let your friend or loved one lead the conversation. 3. Pray.