A diagnosis of breast cancer can come as a shock to both the person diagnosed and their loved ones. It can be difficult to know how to best support a friend or family member going through this tough time. Here are 10 ways you can show your support.
- Be there for them emotionally. Let them know that you are available to talk whenever they need to. Just being there for them as a listening ear can mean the world.
- Help with practical tasks. From grocery shopping to taking care of their kids, any help you can provide with day-to-day tasks will be greatly appreciated.
- Attend appointments with them. Whether it’s moral support they need or someone to help keep track of information, having you by their side can make all the difference.
- Connect them with resources. There are many organizations and websites dedicated to helping people with breast cancer. Do some research and share any valuable resources you find with your loved one.
- Learn about the disease. The more you know about breast cancer, the better equipped you will be to offer support and understanding. This website is a great place to start your research: __ .
- Be positive and optimistic. A positive outlook can be infectious, so do your best to stay positive and upbeat around your loved one facing breast cancer. They will need all the positivity they can get!
- Avoid giving unsolicited advice. Unless your loved one asks for it, try to avoid giving advice about how they should handle their diagnosis and treatment plan. Every situation is different, so what worked for someone else may not work for them.
- Respect their decisions. Along those same lines, try to respect the decisions your loved one makes regarding their treatment plan, even if you don’t necessarily agree with them. It’s their decision to make, not yours.
- Give them space if they need it . Some people facing breast cancer may want lots of support from loved ones while others may prefer some time alone to process everything that’s going on . Respect whatever decision they make in this regard and give them the space they need.
- Check in regularly . Even if your loved one says they don’t need anything, check in on them regularly just to see how they’re doing . Let them know that you are thinking of them and available if they need anything .
Related: Breast Cancer Facts
If someone you love has been diagnosed with breast cancer, it is understandable that you might feel at a loss for how best to support them . However , there are many things you can do to show your love and care . From attending appointments with them to simply being there as a listening ear , any little bit helps. So , reach out today and let your loved one know that you are there for them , no matter what .
