People with cancer need help, support and encouragement from friends and family when they’re being treated. Sometimes, people often want to be of help to cancer patients but do not know what to do. Instead of asking what one can do to help, it is usually better to find concrete ways to support a loved one and carry them out.
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
1. The first and foremost step is to prepare yourself and learn about their diagnosis.This can be done with the help of a mutual friend or a spouse. Take time to acknowledge your feelings before you see the patient. Write down all that you know and keep adding more information. This will help you keep track of their treatment.
2.Ask for their permission before visiting, asking questions, or offering advice. Make sure to clarify that saying no is perfectly fine.
3. Listen to what they have to say and let them express their feelings without interrupting them. Acknowledge their concerns and offer a shoulder to cry on. There is a lot of power in just being present.
4. Whenever you are not around, make sure you check in with them. This can be done through a phone call or even a simple text. Let them know that you are thinking of them.
5. Try to offer help because it is not always easy for patients to ask for help, even though they might be needing it. You can help with their groceries, kids, pets, medicines and even drive them to the hospital for their appointments.
6. Talk about things other than their cancer because it might help take their mind off of things and give them a break. You can share jokes with them, tell them about your day, share interesting stories with them.
7. Visit them in the hospital and keep on encouraging and appreciating them for not giving up and keeping up with their treatment because days seem very long when you are hospitalized.
8. Do not treat them differently. Talk to them the way you did before their diagnosis. Try not to let their condition get in the way of your relationship with them.
However, you decide to help, remember that any love and support you provide can make a huge difference and create a positive impact. It cheers the patient up and they become more focused on healing and getting back to living life.
Role of CANFEM:
Canfem has always stood for every kind of support for cancer patients like providing emotional support to the patients as well as the survivors with its Peer Support Group or awareness programs or full of knowledge webinars and seminars. Canfem also stands with every cancer patient and survivor by providing them with really affordable and premium quality breast prosthesis as well as a pocket-friendly mastectomy bra.
Author- Shreya Saxena,Jahnavi Ahuja
