February 4 of every year is dedicated to commemorating World Cancer Day. On this empowering occasion, each one of us must be prepared to support a friend with cancer because, in their hard times, our honest companionship will give them strength. While it can be overwhelming to comfort your friend, some tips for handling your emotions and theirs will benefit you. That said, here are 8 crucial tips to comfort a friend with cancer.
8 Ways to Support a Friend With Cancer
Give Your Friend the Necessary Space
You might wonder why leaving a friend alone when you’re supposed to stay beside makes sense. It absolutely does. If your friend was recently diagnosed with Cancer, they are likely to dislike seeing others because they surely don’t want anyone’s pity. At these times, even if you get closer to give comfort, they’ll get really upset. So first, give them enough space so that they will accept reality. Ask them whether you can visit them or talk to them. If they allow you or seek you, listen to them.
Do Not Makes Jokes Often to Light Their Mood Up
You need to be very careful when it comes to making jokes around them. You might be trying to make the environment light; however, they might need emotional support. Keep your personality the same way you were when they weren’t diagnosed. You’ll need to figure out the atmosphere and shift the mood accordingly. Forcing jokes to make them laugh will only remind them how you’re trying hard because of their sickness.
Help Them With Daily Needs
Ask your friend if they need any simple chore to be taken care of. Even if they decline and you feel they require it, get in and help. If possible, always ensure that your task won’t be easy for your friend. That is, if you’re going to do a chore that your friend can actually do, they will feel like they’re being sympathized with. To not make them feel such a way, let them do them, and you do you.
Also read: 5 Expert Tips for Cancer Prevention and to Lead a Healthy Life
Take Them Out Often
If your friend is ready to be on rounds, take them out. Take them to new places and their favourite spots, talk to them, listen, binge-watch series, and keep their mood happy. If your friend loves being inside the home, notice their behaviour and suggest an outing. Are they deciding to stay home because they’re feeling hopeless? If so, try convincing (don’t push them too much, though) and take them out.
Do Not Compare Cancers to Uplift Your Friend’s Spirit
The biggest mistake you’ll do is comparing someone’s cancer experience to your friends. You might say, “My neighbour had stage 3 cancer, yet he survived, so stay strong” to your friend. But honestly, it will convey in a way that will make your friend’s struggles invalidated. Your friend might think they’re overreacting. So never ever compare, instead, let them know facts about their cancer (positive ones) and hear what they want to add about it. Ask them about their symptoms and validate them.
If You Know The End Result, Don’t Make False Promises
This is the most challenging thing you will have to do. If you know your friend isn’t going to make it, do not give them false hopes. You won’t want your friend to close their eyes, hoping for a change and being failed, right? Instead, don’t bring up such a topic regarding death at all. As long as they’re there, appreciate the moments and let the future stay in the future. Keep them close to you and make them smile at all times.
Take Care of Yourself
The final tip is dedicated to you, the friend. We understand that it isn’t easy to keep a happy face or behave the same way despite knowing about the diagnosis. If you force yourself too much to stay strong, you will experience burnout. Hence, always let go of your thoughts to someone you can confide in. Take care of yourself, go out and keep your mental health strong because you matter. You’re doing a great job, so you deserve the same positivity in your life.
Final Thoughts
Cancer is one of the world’s deadliest diseases, and researchers are close to finding a cure. In no time, the human race will definitely eradicate this sickness and avenge the hearts of the warriors who have slept in faith. On World Cancer Day, let us spread positivity and awareness. Keep your loved ones close and care for your selfless hearts.
Also read: World Cancer Day: 8 Inspiring Movies About Cancer Like Dil Bechara, New Life and More