Your friend has been diagnosed with cancer. Here are 6 things you can do to support them

All over the world, one in five people are diagnosed with cancer during their lifetime. Almost at the age of 85 one by two Australians will be diagnosed with cancer.

When this happens to someone you care about, it can be complex to know what to say and how to facilitate them. However, providing your friend with the right support can make a huge difference as they face the emotional and physical challenges of a modern diagnosis and treatment.

Here are six ways to provide meaningful support to a friend diagnosed with cancer.

1. Recognize and respond to emotions

When faced with a cancer diagnosis and treatment, it is normal to experience different situations emotions including fear, anger, grief and sadness. Your friend’s moods may change. Feelings are also common change over timefor example, your friend’s anxiety may decrease, but he or she may feel more depressed.

Some friends may want to share details, others prefer privacy. Always ask for permission to discuss sensitive topics (such as changes in physical appearance or thoughts about fears and anxieties) and do not make any assumptions. You can tell them that you feel uncomfortable because it validates the complex situation they are facing.

Once they feel comfortable talking, follow their lead. Your support and willingness listen without judging can provide great comfort. You don’t need to know the answer. Just acknowledging what was said, giving your full attention and being present for the person will be very helpful.

2. Understand their diagnosis and treatment

Understanding your friend’s diagnosis and what they will go through when they are treated may be helpful.

Being informed can reduce your worries. It can also facilitate you listen better and reduce the amount of explaining your friend has to do, especially when they’re tired or overwhelmed.

Browse reputable sources such as Cancer Council website for precise information so you can have meaningful conversations. But remember, your friend has a trusted medical team that offers personalized and precise advice.

3. Check in regularly

Cancer treatment can be isolating, so checking in regularly, texting, calling or visiting can facilitate your friend feel less alone.

Normal conversation and sharing a joke can be greatly appreciated. But everyone deals with cancer differently. Be patient and versatile in your support – some days will be more complex for them than others.

Remembering key dates – such as the next round of chemotherapy – can facilitate your friend feel supported. Celebrating milestones, including the end of treatment or anniversaries, can boost morale and remind your friend of positive moments on their cancer journey.

Always ask if it’s a good time to visit because your friend’s immune system may be violated due to cancer or treatment such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy. If you’re feeling unwell, it’s best to postpone your appointments, but they may still appreciate a call or text.

4. Offer practical support

Sometimes the best way to show care is through practical support. Aid may be offered in a variety of ways, and your friend’s needs may change at the beginning, during and after treatment.

For example, you could offer to pick up prescriptions, drive them to their appointments so they have transportation and company to check-in, or wait with them at their appointments.

Meals will always be welcome. However, it is critical to remember about cancer and its treatment affect taste, smell and appetite, as well as your friend’s ability to eat enough or absorb nutrients. You may want to check first if your child likes any particular foods. Good nutrition can facilitate enhance their strength when dealing with the side effects of treatment.

There may also be family responsibilities you can facilitate with, such as babysitting, grocery shopping, or pet sitting.

5. Explore support together

Studies they showed Mindfulness practices can be an effective way for people to cope with the anxiety associated with a cancer diagnosis and treatment.

If this is something your friend is interested in, it might be fun to explore a class together (online or in person).

You can also facilitate your friend connect with organizations that provide emotional and practical facilitate, such as the Cancer Council support linewhich offers free, confidential information and support to all people affected by cancer, including family, friends and carers.

Peer support groups it can also reduce your friend’s sense of isolation and foster shared understanding and empathy with people who have been through similar experiences. primary care doctors can help with referrals to support programs.

6. Stick with them

Be involved. Many people feel isolated after their treatment. This may be because regular meetings have been reduced or stopped – which may mean the loss of their safety net – or because their relationships with others have changed.

Your friend may also experience emotions such as worry, lack of self-confidence, and uncertainty as he or she becomes accustomed to: new way of life after completing their treatment. This will be an critical moment to support your friend.

But don’t forget: take care myself is also critical. Providing good nutrition, sleep, exercise and emotional support will facilitate you get through this complex time for both you and the friend you love.

Our research the team is developing modern programs and resources to support caregivers of people with cancer. While this can be a complex experience, it can also be incredibly rewarding, and your compact acts of kindness can make a huge difference.