Helping Someone with Breast Cancer - Emotional Support

When someone close to you is
diagnosed with breast cancer,
it affects you too.

Breast cancer is a very personal disease. There are many different variations of breast cancer and women handle the stress of fighting this disease very differently. With that said, those of us on the outside want to help, but may feel helpless.

Family, friends, and colleagues can be a great source of support. Whether that support is emotional or practical (or both), it is important to know that for many women it is difficult to ask for help. Asking open-ended questions like "What can I do for you?" or "How can I help?" or "What do you need?" may leave you with little or no information. Think about what would help you if you were in her shoes and make specific suggestions.

Let's focus on emotional support first. When someone close to you is diagnosed, it affects you too. It is okay to feel your feelings...fear, anger, sadness, etc. You may feel confused...What should I say? What does all of this really mean? What should I do for her?

Here are some tips on providing emotional support:

1. Just be there. She is going through many emotions as well as dealing with the emotions of those around her. She may need you to listen to her, cry with her, laugh with her, or just be there when no words are needed.

2. Let her know that you care about her. 

3. Contact her regularly by phone, text or email. Be cognizant about how she prefers to communicate. For example, talking on the phone may wear her out.

4. Visit her. Don't assume she does or does not want visitors...ask if you can come over and give her a day and time. Do not visit with children unless you ask first and never visit if you are sick.

5. If you are available, be available for her. Ask if she would like you to go with her to medical appointments or to chemotherapy. It is crucial to have a second set of ears at appointments and you can help her pass the time during her chemo sessions.

What other ways can you provide emotional support for a friend diagnosed with breast cancer?