How to Support a Friend with Breast Cancer
Nobody ever expects to be diagnosed with breast cancer and the devastating diagnosis usually comes as a shock for the sufferer. However, it affects those around her, too. If a friend or loved one has recently been diagnosed with breast cancer, you might not know how to support her. And as someone who needs support, vague offers for "whatever you need" often go unclaimed, as she needs very specific assistance.
You must understand that your friend has a lot on her mind right now. While there is no universal answer, survivors have shared several tips on how they would've liked to have been supported.
1. Listen to her
This is probably the toughest, but also the most meaningful way in which you can support her. While she's indecisive, overwhelmed and emotional, she needs someone to listen without judging or letting your emotions get the better of you. She doesn't need advice, unless she asks directly for it. All she needs is someone who truly hears.
2. Make her smile
While she's facing her diagnosis and treatment, there's a lot of strain on her emotions, and a lot of sadness. Be a friend and keep it light. That doesn't mean that you should make a joke of everything, but find ways to make her smile. Bake her a silly cake, watch a funny movie together, or buy her a humoristic t-shirt. Whatever you do, let it be something that takes her mind off the fact that she's facing a deadly condition.
3. Distract her
Chemotherapy can be a stark reminder of reality, but planning a little surprise to be waiting for her, can help distract her. Consider flowers, a book, a movie, a spa voucher or concert tickets.
4. Help her accept help
Many women are excellent givers, but don't know how to receive. If she repeatedly turn down offers for help, it may be time to intervene and ask her to help you to help her. Let her understand that she needs help and that you are there to give it to her.
5. Be an advocate
One of the best ways in which you can support your friend who has breast cancer, is to become an advocate. Spread the word about prevention, self-examinations and how people can help support the cause.
If she's a co-worker, speak to your company about buying pink and yellow shirts. More companies are now allowing their workers to wear pink and yellow shirts in support of the Breast Cancer Foundation. Available in golf shirts, drill shirts and hi-viz shirts, there's something for every company.
You must understand that your friend has a lot on her mind right now. While there is no universal answer, survivors have shared several tips on how they would've liked to have been supported.
1. Listen to her
This is probably the toughest, but also the most meaningful way in which you can support her. While she's indecisive, overwhelmed and emotional, she needs someone to listen without judging or letting your emotions get the better of you. She doesn't need advice, unless she asks directly for it. All she needs is someone who truly hears.
2. Make her smile
While she's facing her diagnosis and treatment, there's a lot of strain on her emotions, and a lot of sadness. Be a friend and keep it light. That doesn't mean that you should make a joke of everything, but find ways to make her smile. Bake her a silly cake, watch a funny movie together, or buy her a humoristic t-shirt. Whatever you do, let it be something that takes her mind off the fact that she's facing a deadly condition.
3. Distract her
Chemotherapy can be a stark reminder of reality, but planning a little surprise to be waiting for her, can help distract her. Consider flowers, a book, a movie, a spa voucher or concert tickets.
4. Help her accept help
Many women are excellent givers, but don't know how to receive. If she repeatedly turn down offers for help, it may be time to intervene and ask her to help you to help her. Let her understand that she needs help and that you are there to give it to her.
5. Be an advocate
One of the best ways in which you can support your friend who has breast cancer, is to become an advocate. Spread the word about prevention, self-examinations and how people can help support the cause.
If she's a co-worker, speak to your company about buying pink and yellow shirts. More companies are now allowing their workers to wear pink and yellow shirts in support of the Breast Cancer Foundation. Available in golf shirts, drill shirts and hi-viz shirts, there's something for every company.
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