Your friend has been diagnosed with cancer. Here are 6 things you’ll be able to 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 likely be diagnosed with cancer.

When this happens to someone you care about, it could actually be hard to know what to say or the right way to help them. But having the best 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 supply 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 also be common for feelings. Change over timeFor example, your friend may feel less anxious, but feel more depressed.

Some friends need to share details while others prefer privacy. Always ask permission to bring up sensitive topics (reminiscent of 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 need to have the answers. Simply acknowledging what has been said, giving your full attention and being present for them will likely be very helpful.

2. Understand their diagnosis and treatment.

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

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

Explore reputable sources reminiscent of Cancer Council website For accurate information, so you'll be able to have meaningful conversations. But have in mind that your friend has a trusted medical team to supply personalized and accurate advice.

3. Check in often.

Cancer treatment will be isolating, so regular check-ins, texts, calls or visits might 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 otherwise. Be patient and versatile in your support – some days will likely be harder for them than others.

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

Always ask if it's time to go as your friend's immune system. A compromise can be made from their cancer or treatments reminiscent of 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 one of the best option to show you care is thru practical help. There could also be other ways to supply support, and what your friend needs may change during and after treatment.

For example, you'll be able to offer to select up prescriptions, drive them to appointments so that they have transport and company for a debrief, or wait with them on the appointment.

Food is all the time welcome. However, it will be significant 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 want to check first if there are any special foods they like. Good nutrition It might help increase their strength while coping with the unintended effects of treatment.

There can also be family responsibilities you might help with, reminiscent of 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 enthusiastic about, it is perhaps 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, reminiscent of 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 undergone an analogous 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 might feel like losing a security net – or their relationships with others have modified.

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

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

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