How can I help people with cancer?

While every person is different, most people with cancer hate it when people act like they're sad. These are things I have experienced with helping cancer patients. Saying things like: "I am so sorry for you," or "It is so unfair that it happens to you," are, while all true, counter productive. In the early stages, the best thing to do is act like you normally would. If you would go out with them and have fun, don't let it stop you! Most people with cancer just want to have fun and live their lives normally and unless they are too fatigued or when a doctor told them not to do something, they can do it. But let them know that, if they are ever down or unable to do something, now or in the future, there are people around them who love them and who they can count on - be it to provide a listening ear, be it by doing some groceries or clean around the house so they can take the rest they need. Another thing you can be of help with is by visiting the doctor with them. Doctors recommend this as well, but some cancer patients don't know who to ask to join them. So ask them if they have someone who can join them on doctor visits and, if no, they would want you to join them. This is why. When they go to the doctor, they are getting a lot of information at the same time and that can be quite overwhelming. It can be emotional for them, which can cause them to forget some things the doctor said. You can remember those things for him or her. You can also, on forehand, discuss some things they want an answer to and, if in the moment they forget something, you can ask it for them.

Persons who are diagnosed with cancer are alone and depressed. So most of them look to us the 7 cups of tea family for support and just to share how they feel. Some are being neglected by loved ones because it is hard for them to accept that they going through this. Sometimes they are the ones who pushes away people who are around them because they cannot bear the pain of them seeing them so helpless and sick. Some are just hopeless and are just waiting to pass away. But hey never refrain from giving them a helping hand. They need it. By being there and supporting them is a great way we can help them. Helping them financially if we can and when they need it. Encouraging them to find a source of spiritual support and also giving them hopes. Speak positively to them :)

Treat them like healthy people. Remember that illnesses don't define personalities. Sometimes they just need some attention,someone to distract them from pain and bad thoughts.

How to help someone with cancer isn't an easy topic to ask about or even think about and it's not a simple one to answer either. The biggest thing to think about is to respect their feelings about the situation. If they've accepted it, try to be accepting when you're around them even if you haven't accepted it yet, if you're constantly talking about how "this can't be possible" and "why you", it may begin to upset them. On the other end of the spectrum if someone hasn't accepted it and is still trying to process the situation saying things like "god has a plan for you and he chose this" or "it'll get better" can also likely be the wrong response. Have an open dialect with them and be clear about both your feelings and theirs so you can better help them get through it. Never assume that you understand what's going through their head, every person with cancer is different and handles it differently.

Support them. Be there for them but also let them have their own space. Treat them as normal, do things you would usually do with them. Do fun things in general, they won't Want to think about cancer day in and day out so a bit of distraction, love and fun is always a good idea.

Just by being there. Showing you care for them. Your presence will be appreciated. And help them in so many ways.

Being a cancer survivor myself, I know the best thing you can do is to keep them thinking positively. Don't be embarrassed to ask questions if you don't know about something or do not understand. Try to stay in contact with them because loneliness is a huge factor associated with cancer. Let them know they are not alone.

Giving them the motivation by letting them know cancer does not really mean it's the end of everything. It could be the start of something, and may change your life but at the mean time, you'll find your true self.

If you personally know cancer patients, be there support them without treating them like aliens or like they're fragile and incapable of doing anything on their own. If not, you can donate or help raise awareness such as participating in runs for cancer or other potential options. A good group to avoid donating to is Susan G. Komen because they actually don't give that much of their profits to cancer research.

People with cancer are individuals and can benefit from support that's as individual as they are. If you know someone with cancer, you probably have a good idea of something they might need. If you were in school with them, and they can't attend for now, they might want to talk to you about what they are missing so they don't feel as if they can never re-enter. If they are doing art therapy to help with positive visualization, they might want to share their painting with you, and have you respond as specifically as you can. Or they might just want you to listen to how they are feeling, without being told to feel differently. If you keep your heart open to them, you'll find a truthful and sensitive way to help.