A recent article in Woman’s Day provides valuable insight into how to reach out to someone when you learn they have been diagnosed with cancer. We all want to provide as much support as possible, but some of the most common responses can trigger negative emotions in a cancer patient.
The following is a list of the ten things you should never say to someone who has cancer:
1. “You are strong and will get through this.”
2. “How are you feeling?”
3. “Can I do anything to help you?”
4. “How serious is the cancer?”
5. “My grandmother/mom/sister/aunt/friend had cancer…”
6. “I read an article in the newspaper that said you should…”
7. “Your hair looks good like that.”
8. “God doesn’t give you more than you can handle.”
9. “I know how you feel.”
10. “You must have done something to get it.”
Click here to read the full article to learn what not to say to cancer patients.
There are a number of responses that cancer patients would rather hear. Two responses that are universally appreciated by cancer patients are, “I’m sorry you’re ill,” and “I’m thinking of you.” Are there any other statements that should be included in this list?
