click on coloured circles above to view more information

How to HELP when someone you know is diagnosed with cancer

KEEP IN TOUCH
Treatment may go on for some time and may restrict patients from doing their regular activities. Keeping in touch with them will be appreciated, and will also be helpful for their caregivers. If a person doesn’t feel like company, send them a card, or and email instead. Remember not to be upset if they don’t respond to your gestures, they have a lot on their minds.

HAVE YOUR LISTENING EARS “ON”
When you visit a cancer patient, you don’t have to entertain them. Just being there for them is sometimes good enough. Having someone listen is always therapeutic and may relieve stress.

GIVE THEM A LIFT TO TREATMENTS
Arranging for a ride to the hospital is a nice gesture to offer a friend who is undergoing cancer treatment. Keep in mind, parents, siblings, and spouses often have to be at work when the treatments are taking place. If you have a day off, or some free time … offer a ride!

HELP AROUND THE HOUSE
Offer to help around the house! Often, cancer patients are tired and weak and cannot perform the regular duties around the home like vacuuming, or doing the dishes. Offer to shovel, cut the grass, or pick up some groceries … your act of kindness will be appreciated.

COOK UP A STORM
Drop off a meal for the family that can be easily frozen and warmed up later. This will save the family time and effort. Show them you care by preparing and delivering a meal.

BE SENSITIVE TO THE PERSON’S NEEDS
Offer to get more information if needed and/or wanted. Some patients will want to gather all the information about their specific cancer together, while others may not want to know too many details.