5 Phrases to Show Your Support to a Cancer Patient
- P4P Author
- Jan 24, 2021
- 3 min read
Updated: Feb 10, 2024
Being diagnosed with cancer can be one of the hardest moments of someone’s life. Feelings of fear, grief, and uncertainty are common, if not warranted. Generally, the support of friends and family as well as a few well-chosen words can really help show that we care.
Oftentimes, people may not know what to say to someone with cancer, and choose not to say anything. This is one of the worst things you can do, as it only contributes to their feelings of loneliness. However, this does not mean that just saying anything is any better. When saying something to someone with cancer, it’s important to choose positive, encouraging words, without giving false hope or talking about other people’s experiences with cancer. To help give a better idea of things you can say to cancer patients, we have compiled a list of supportive responses.
1. I am here for you.
Verbally letting a patient know that you are there to support them can make a huge impact. Letting them know that you’re there for them means that you’re willing to show up for them and stand by their side. If you choose to say this, make sure you’re willing to follow through and support them through both the good times and the bad.
2. I’m sorry you have to go through this.
Sometimes, a few words of sympathy can go a long way. Conveying your compassion for them in their situation can help them understand that you’re there to support them and that they’re not alone.
3. We'll get through this together. You're not facing cancer alone.
These words can provide strength to cancer patients. Many of them feel uncertain or scared after receiving their diagnosis, so such words of encouragement can help the patient feel not only supported, but also more resilient.
4. I would like to help in any way I can. What can I do?
Understanding that the coming times may be hard for cancer patients and offering your help is one of the many things you can do to show you care. This may require you to just pitch in and help out where you see they need it, as many patients are hesitant to ask for assistance. If you choose to pitch in without the patient directly asking, make sure that your actions aren’t inappropriate, overbearing, or diminishing of a sense of normalcy for the patient.
5. Did you see the latest episode?
This is not a specific saying, but it is a reminder to talk about topics other than cancer. Cancer patients already spend plenty of time discussing treatment and their prognosis, so it’s important to not let cancer dominate every conversation they have. Treat them the same way you would treat any of your friends. Talking about their favourite TV show, for example, can bring back a sense of normalcy that they will appreciate.
It’s important to realize that there is no perfect statement or saying that will make everything better. There is even a chance that the statements listed above will not have the exact effect as you hoped. What’s important is to simply be there for them. Make sure you stay connected, maintain some sense of normalcy, and are compassionate. Showing you care, whether it be verbally or by being present, truly has a positive impact on cancer patients, and is important in improving their well-being during this time of their life.
For tips on what NOT to say to someone with cancer, check out our previous blog post.
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