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When someone you care about is diagnosed with breast cancer, it can be overwhelming for both of you. You may feel unsure of how to offer comfort and support, but being there for them during this challenging time is incredibly important. The journey through treatment and recovery can be emotionally and physically exhausting, and your love and encouragement can make all the difference.
In this week’s article acknowledging Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we’ll provide guidance on supporting a loved one with breast cancer—from offering emotional comfort to helping with everyday tasks.
Be a Good Listener
One of the most valuable things you can do is simply listen. Your loved one may want to talk about their diagnosis, treatment options, or their fears and hopes for the future. Let them express their feelings without interrupting or trying to offer immediate solutions.
- Avoid clichés like “Everything will be fine” or “Stay positive.” While these phrases are well-meaning, they can sometimes minimize what the person is going through. Instead, acknowledge their feelings and offer empathy.
- Give them space to share their emotions, whether it’s sadness, fear, or even anger. Let them know that it’s okay to feel whatever they’re feeling and that you’re there to support them, no matter what.
Offer Practical Help
Cancer treatment can be draining, both physically and emotionally. Offering practical help can ease some of the burdens on your loved one and allow them to focus on recovery. Be specific in your offers to help, as general statements like “Let me know if you need anything” may be too vague.
Here are some ways to offer practical support:
- Meal preparation: Offer to cook meals or set up a meal delivery service. Make sure to ask about dietary preferences or restrictions due to treatment.
- Transportation: Offer rides to and from doctor appointments or treatment sessions. Chemotherapy and other treatments can leave patients feeling weak and tired.
- Household chores: Help with laundry, cleaning, or grocery shopping.
- Childcare or pet care: If they have children or pets, offering to watch them for a few hours can provide a much-needed break.
Be Mindful of Their Energy Levels
Cancer treatment can cause fatigue, nausea, and other side effects that make it difficult to stay active. When visiting or offering to help, be mindful of their energy levels and don’t take it personally if they need rest or time alone.
- Keep visits short and sweet unless they express a desire for longer visits.
- Offer to do activities that require little energy, such as watching movies, reading together, or sitting outside for fresh air.
- Respect their need for space if they’re not up for visitors or phone calls. Let them know you’re available when they’re ready.
Encourage Them to Join a Support Group
Breast cancer patients often benefit from talking to others who are going through similar experiences. Encourage your loved one to consider joining a support group—whether in person or online—where they can connect with others who understand the unique challenges of breast cancer.
- Support groups can provide emotional encouragement, practical advice, and a sense of community.
- Offer to help research local support groups or online communities that focus on breast cancer.
- If they’re open to it, consider joining them for the first few meetings for moral support.
Respect Their Decisions
Every breast cancer journey is different, and your loved one will face many important decisions about their treatment. It’s crucial to respect their choices, even if you don’t fully agree with them.
- Avoid pushing opinions about what treatment they should choose or how they should approach their diagnosis. Instead, offer your support for whatever decision they make.
- Educate yourself about their treatment options, but don’t try to play the role of a doctor. Leave medical advice to the professionals and be there to support their choices.
Help Them Stay Positive, but Realistic
Positivity can be a powerful tool during a cancer diagnosis, but it’s important to balance optimism with realism. Your loved one may experience a range of emotions—both positive and negative—and they should feel free to express them.
- Offer encouragement and help them focus on things they enjoy or look forward to, whether it’s spending time with family, hobbies, or personal goals.
- Share uplifting messages, but avoid forcing them to stay “positive” all the time. It’s normal for someone going through breast cancer to have both good days and bad days.
Be There Long-Term
Breast cancer treatment can last months or even years, and your loved one may need ongoing support long after their diagnosis. Continue to check in with them regularly, even after the initial shock of the diagnosis fades.
- Celebrate milestones together, like finishing chemotherapy or reaching remission.
- Remember that even when treatment ends, your loved one may still be dealing with side effects or emotional challenges. Your support may be needed well into recovery and beyond.
Supporting a loved one diagnosed with breast cancer requires patience, understanding, and empathy. By being a good listener, offering practical help, and respecting their choices, you can provide the emotional and physical support they need during this challenging time.
Remember that every person’s journey with cancer is different, so stay flexible and adapt to their needs. Most importantly, let them know that you’re by their side every step of the way.
This has been part four of our series of blog articles highlighting the importance of women’s health, specifically acknowledging October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. If you wish to read the other articles in this series, you can do so by clicking here.