A close friend or family member has just been diagnosed with cancer? What do you say to such person? 

Trying to comfort a cancer patient can be arduous. What do you say to a person who feels that their life is already coming to an end? How do you give hope and soothe their pain through your words? It’s tough and we know it. 

If you’re not sure of what to say to people who have cancer, then you need to read this. 

• Don’t lie to them. “I know how you feel” is one of the ‘wrongest’ words you can ever say to a cancer patient. The truth is that unless you have also been diagnosed with cancer, you may never truly understand how they feel or what they’re going through. You do not need to tell lies to soothe their pain. It makes you sound insensitive. 

• If you have nothing positive to say? Don’t talk. We know you are also scared and worried, but it will be bad if you project your pessimism unto them. You may also get short of words. When this happens, it’s better to just keep quiet and hold their hands. Little gestures speak volumes. 

• Prove you care. Words are cheap, so you have to prove that yours aren’t cheap. You can do that by being there for them all the time. This doesn’t have to be physical – phone calls, voice messages and just ‘checking up on them’ will do. 

• Easy does it! “I’m sorry you have to go through it,” “Everything’s going to be alright,” or “what can I do to help?” are words that can express how you feel, without you sounding despairing or overbearing. Also, be careful not to use those words too often. You can share stories of people who have survived; stories of hope, faith and a little humour will help elevate the patient’s spirit. 

Still, got questions or need further clarification? Please drop it in the comment box or chat with our oncologists and psychologists directly. We would love to hear from you.

Remember to follow the above tips and see how they work for you. Until next time. #Keep Motivating

Loads of Love

xo xo

Oncopadi cares