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Friday, May 12, 2017

What to say and do when a loved one has cancer

While a cancer diagnosis is often life changing for the individual affected, it also has an impact on family and friends, who often feel in the dark about the right and wrong things to say and do.
Here, two cancer specialists Dr Nikhil Pooviah and Dr Raghav Murali-Ganesh share their 4 biggest tips for supporting a loved one.

1. Keep in touch and listen

When it comes to talking to someone going through cancer, we may feel lost for words. It's OK not to have all the answers. Just being there to lend an ear can make all the difference. Try to check in regularly - whatever feels normal for you both.
Open-ended questions rather than specifics are usually more welcome.

2. Get up to speed on cancer

There are more than 200 types of cancer and many forms of cancer treatment, from surgery through to radiation and chemotherapy. Each brings its own challenges. Become informed about the specific cancer and treatments, so you know what they're going through. Draw on reputable sources such as Cure Cancer Australia or the Women's Cancer Foundation.

3. Think practical

Our natural reaction can be to make an open-ended offer, such as "Let me know how I can help?" While this will be appreciated, it may be more helpful to anticipate their needs.
Offer to cook them a favourite meal or take them to an appointment. As well as being a genuine help, you'll also support their nutritional needs and wellbeing, which are linked to better outcomes.

4. Make time for fun

Cancer can leave people feeling wiped out and needing to rest, but at other times your loved one may experience minimal side-effects.
Get to know when they might feel at their best and organise to do something you know they would enjoy doing normally. Perhaps that's getting out and about for a walk along the beach, or catching up with friends over lunch.
Dr Nikhil Pooviah and Dr Raghav MuraliGanesh are co-founders of the app CancerAid (free for iPhone and Android), through which people with cancer can access information and keep friends and family informed.

1 comment:

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