Things You'll Need:
- Access to the Internet
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Step 1
To support someone with cancer, listen to what the person has to say. Sometimes a person who has cancer will not want to talk about his or her feelings. Don't insist that someone speak about the cancer. If he or she is not ready, do not feel offended. When the person is ready to speak, listen without interrupting. Someone with cancer will probably have a lot of volatile emotions. Let him or her vent. Acknowledge and validate feelings.
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Step 2
If you are very close to the person who has cancer, research everything you can about cancer, but do not offer a lot of suggestions unless asked. Check out the websites for cancer support and information by clicking the links in the resource section near the bottom of this page.
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Step 3
The treatment for cancer is usually extremely hard to tolerate. do whatever you can to make your friend or relative more comfortable. It's the little things that may help the cancer patient the most. Offer to run errands like going to the bank or doing some grocery shopping. To support someone with cancer, let the person know what times you are available to run errands.
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Step 4
Get help from cancer organizations in your area. Both the American Cancer Society and CancerCare.org have resources to help people with cancer and their friends or relatives. Join a support group. At CancerCare.org you can find help by telephone and through local support groups. There is a link for an online forum too. Click the "get help" link. Then click "support." Also, check out GildasClub.org for support for anyone living with cancer and friends and relatives of cancer patients.
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Step 5
A cancer patient may ask for help handling their finances. Check out CancerCar.org, click the "get help" link, and then click "financial help." Also check out needymeds.org. This site provides information about medication and low-cost clinics.
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Step 6
If the cancer patient needs long-term care, check out the Family Caregiver Alliance website. You can find help by state.
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Step 7
You may feel uncomfortable around a cancer patient. Many times friends and relatives of cancer patients want to distance themselves from cancer patients. Sometimes your own feelings of fear about cancer may overwhelm you. If this is an issue for you, make an effort to reach out. Talk about your feelings with someone. Check out the resources below and connect with other people who are in the same situation.
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Step 8
If the cancer is terminal contact Hospice organizations for help dealing with a terminal cancer patient. To support someone with cancer, it's best to take this situation a day at a time, sometimes a moment at a time.
Comments
Gottaloveit said
on 1/23/2009 Excellent, excellent article. Also, another good way to support someone with cancer is to support their caregivers and loved ones. People with cancer need to know that their families are supported also.