For family and friends
Cancer is a severe blow not only for the person with the disease but for his or her relatives and friends. In light of the illness, relatives and friends find they have to think about how they relate to cancer and the person who has it.
Coping as a spouse or partner
Caring for the well-being and resources of the patient is often overshadowed by the confusion, sadness and exhaustion experienced by the spouse or partner. When faced with a loved one’s cancer diagnosis, your first thought may be about coping with it and perhaps to try to take control of the situation. Your well-intentioned efforts may cause additional stress for both you and your partner.
Read articleHow to support your loved-one?
The best support friends or relatives can give those with cancer is to be there for them and to be prepared to listen to them. It is better to encourage loved ones who are ill to talk about difficult matters than to try to get them to forget about their critical situation. It also takes courage on the part of listeners to confront their own feelings. Sometimes loved ones may feel disappointed if those who are ill do not respond as was hoped, but instead remain aloof or reject the help being offered them. However, the support and care that relatives and friends provide is not wasted.
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