Your friend has been diagnosed with cancer. Here are 6 things you may do to assist them.

worldwide, One in five People are diagnosed with cancer during their lifetime. At about 85 years of age One of two Australians will probably be diagnosed with cancer.

When this happens to someone you care about, it will possibly be hard to know what to say or how you can help them. But having the proper support for a friend could make all of the difference as they face the emotional and physical challenges of a brand new diagnosis and treatment.

Here are six ways to offer meaningful support to a friend with cancer.

1. Recognize and reply to emotions.

When facing a cancer diagnosis and treatment, it's normal to experience a variety of emotions. Emotions including fear, anger, grief and sadness. Your friend's mood may fluctuate. This can be common for feelings. Change over timeFor example, your friend may feel less anxious, but feel more depressed.

Some friends wish to share details while others prefer privacy. Always ask permission to bring up sensitive topics (akin to changes in physical appearance or their thoughts about fears and anxieties) and don't make assumptions. It's okay to allow them to know you are feeling awkward, since it acknowledges the difficult situation they're facing.

When they feel comfortable talking, follow their lead. Your support and consent. Listening without judgment Can provide great comfort. You don't must have the answers. Simply acknowledging what has been said, giving your full attention and being present for them will probably be very helpful.

2. Understand their diagnosis and treatment.

to understand Your friend's diagnosis and what they will probably be going through. treated could also be helpful.

Being informed can reduce your personal anxiety. It can even enable you listen higher and reduce the quantity of explaining your friend has to do, especially once they're drained or overwhelmed.

Explore reputable sources akin to Cancer Council website For accurate information, so you may have meaningful conversations. But take into account that your friend has a trusted medical team to offer personalized and accurate advice.

3. Check in recurrently.

Cancer treatment will be isolating, so regular check-ins, texts, calls or visits will help your friend feel less alone.

Having an off-the-cuff conversation and sharing a joke will be very welcoming. But everyone copes with cancer in a different way. Be patient and versatile in your support – some days will probably be harder for them than others.

Remembering essential dates — like the subsequent round of chemotherapy — will help your friend feel supported. Celebrating milestones, including the top of treatment or anniversaries, will be uplifting and remind your friend of positive moments within the cancer journey.

Always ask if it's an excellent time to go as your friend's immune system. A compromise can be made from their cancer or treatments akin to chemotherapy or radiotherapy. If you're feeling sick, it's best to postpone visits – but they'd still appreciate a call or text.

4. Offer practical support.

Sometimes the very best approach to show you care is thru practical help. There could also be alternative ways to supply support, and what your friend needs may change during and after treatment.

For example, you may offer to select up prescriptions, drive them to appointments in order that they have transport and company for a debrief, or wait with them on the appointment.

Food is all the time welcome. However, it can be crucial to recollect cancer and its treatment. Affected Taste, smell and appetite, in addition to your friend's ability to eat enough or absorb nutrients. You will probably want to check first if there are any special foods they like. Good nutrition It will help increase their strength while coping with the unwanted effects of treatment.

There can also be family responsibilities you will help with, akin to babysitting, grocery shopping or pet care.

5. Explore support together.

study has shown Mindfulness practices will be an efficient way for people to administer the anxiety related to a cancer diagnosis and treatment.

If that is something your friend is occupied with, it may be fun to explore classes (either online or in person) together.

You can even help your friend connect with organizations that provide emotional and practical support, akin to Cancer Council Support linewhich provides free, confidential information and support for anyone affected by cancer, including family, friends and carers.

Peer support groups It can even reduce your friend's feelings of isolation and promote shared understanding and empathy with individuals who have passed through the same experience. GPs can help With references to supporting programs.

6. Be with them

Be determined. Many people feel Isolated after their treatment. This could also be because regular meetings have reduced or stopped – which may feel like losing a security net – or their relationships with others have modified.

Your friend can also experience emotions akin to anxiety, insecurity and uncertainty A new way of life After their treatment is over. This will probably be a vital time to assist your friend.

But don't forget: to care to yourself can be essential. Making sure you eat well, sleep well, exercise and get emotional support will enable you persevere through this difficult time for you and the one you love. Can be difficult.

Our research The team is developing latest programs and resources to support caregivers of individuals with cancer. While this generally is a difficult experience, it will possibly even be very rewarding, and your small acts of kindness could make a giant difference.