A cancer diagnosis can be a life-changing thing, not only for the patient but also for the family. It brings a lot of physical, emotional, and practical challenges that require unconditional support and understanding. As a friend, relative, or someone close, you can make things better by supporting them. Every person with cancer has a different experience, so try not to assume how they feel. They may feel happy, or sometimes they can be sad as well. Remember that they might not always want to talk or think about cancer. You need to be sensitive about how they are feeling, and it will really help them.
Now we will explore various ways in which you can extend your support to those affected by cancer, from offering emotional support to providing practical assistance and connecting with them.
First, you need to know about the emotions they might feel, like:
- Fear
- Guilt
- Sadness
- Frustration
- Loneliness
- Isolation
- Grief
If you can understand these types of emotions, that can help you to support them.
Emotional support: Research has shown that supporting cancer patients emotionally by their friends and family can actually help them a lot. Understand that dealing with cancer is emotionally challenging for the patients and their families, they need someone to talk to. Express your care, concern, and love toward them.
Accompany to medical appointments:
Having someone by their side for the blood tests, doctor’s appointments can provide comfort and emotional support. Take notes, ask questions, and help them to remember important information.
Practical assistance: Help them with daily tasks such as grocery shopping, and cooking. Cleaning, doing household chores, and so on. Also here are some other ways you can help that patient:
- Offer to do the shopping.
- Offer to do some gardening
- Offer to take the children to the school
- Bring them lunch, and have it together.
- Ask before you visit in case they are feeling too unwell.
Educate yourself about specific cancer:
Take the time to learn about the cancer that the patient is dealing with. Understand the treatment options, side effects, and the challenges that they may face. This will help you to support them and encourage them to go through that phase.
How can V Care Cancer Center help you?
At V Care Cancer Center you can get the proper treatment from all the renowned doctors from India. We have a dedicated tumour board, where doctors can help you to get diagnosed with the type of cancer that you may have. Besides, we also provide counseling and rehabilitation programs for cancer patients and their families too. If you want to book an appointment, you can call us directly or visit our clinic as well. So don’t be afraid of cancer! We all are here to help you to live a cancer free happy life!
