Your friend has been diagnosed with cancer. Here are six things you can do to support him/her

All over the world, one in five people are diagnosed with cancer during their lifetime. At the age of 85, almost one in two Australians will be diagnosed with cancer.

When it happens to someone you care about, it can be difficult to know what to say or how to help them. But providing a friend with the right support can make all the difference as he or she faces the emotional and physical challenges of a new diagnosis and treatment.

Here are six ways to provide meaningful support to a friend diagnosed with cancer.

1. Recognize emotions and respond to them

When you are faced with a cancer diagnosis and treatment, it is normal to experience a number of complaints emotions including fear, anger, sadness and grief. Your friend's moods may fluctuate. It is also common for there to be feelings change over timeFor example, your friend's anxiety may decrease, but he or she may feel more depressed.

Some friends may want to share details, while others prefer privacy. Always ask permission to bring up sensitive topics (such as changes in physical appearance or their thoughts about fears) and don't make assumptions. It's okay to tell them you're uncomfortable because this acknowledges the challenging situation they're facing.

If they feel comfortable talking, follow their lead. Your support and willingness listening without judgement can provide a lot of comfort. You don't have to have the answers. Simply acknowledging what has been said, giving your full attention and being present for them will be a great help.

2. Understand their diagnosis and treatment

Concept your friend's diagnosis and what he/she will go through when he/she is treated can be useful.

By being informed, you can reduce your own worries. It can also help you listen better and reduce the amount of explaining your friend has to do, especially if he/she is tired or overwhelmed.

Research reputable sources such as the Cancer Council website for accurate information so you can have meaningful conversations. But keep in mind that your friend has a trusted medical team that can provide personalized and accurate advice.

3. Check in regularly

Cancer treatment can be isolating, so regular check-ins, texts, calls, or visits can help your friend feel less alone.

Having a normal conversation and sharing a joke can be very welcome. But everyone deals with cancer differently. Be patient and flexible in your support; some days will be harder for them than others.

Remembering important dates, such as the next round of chemotherapy, can help your friend feel supported. Celebrating milestones, such as the end of treatment or anniversary dates, can boost morale and remind your friend of positive moments during his or her cancer journey.

Always ask if it is a good time to visit, as your friend's immune system is high could be in danger due to their cancer or treatments such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy. If you feel unwell it is best to postpone your visit, but a phone call or text message may still be appreciated.

4. Provide practical support

Sometimes practical support is the best way to show your care. There may be different ways to provide help, and what your friend needs may change at the beginning, during and after treatment.

For example, you can offer to pick up prescriptions, take them to appointments so they have transportation and company to debrief, or wait with them at appointments.

Meals are always welcome. However, it is important to remember cancer and its treatments to influence taste, smell and appetite, as well as your friend's ability to eat enough or absorb nutrients. You may want to check first if there are certain foods they like. Good nutrition can help increase their strength while dealing with the side effects of treatment.

There may also be family responsibilities you can help with, such as babysitting children, running errands, or caring for pets.

5. Discover supports together

Studies have shown Mindfulness exercises can be an effective way for people to manage anxiety related to cancer diagnosis and treatment.

If this is something your friend is interested in, it can be fun to explore classes together (online or in person).

You may also be able to help your friend get in touch with organizations that provide emotional and practical help, such as the Cancer Council supporting linewhich provides free, confidential information and support to anyone affected by cancer, including family, friends and carers.

Peer support groups can also reduce your friend's feelings of isolation and promote shared understanding and empathy with people who have gone through a similar experience. General practitioners can help with references to support programs.

6. Stay with them

Be committed. Many people feel isolated after their treatment. This may be because the number of regular appointments has been reduced or stopped – which can feel like losing a safety net – or because their relationships with others have changed.

Your friend may also experience emotions such as worry, lack of confidence, and uncertainty as he or she adjusts to a situation that worries him or her new way of life after their treatment has ended. This will be an important time to support your friend.

But don't forget: worry yourself is also important. Making sure you eat well, sleep, exercise, and get emotional support can help keep you going through a difficult time for you and the friend you love.

Our research team develops new programs and resources to support caregivers of people living with cancer. While it can be a challenging experience, it can also be extremely rewarding, and your small acts of kindness can make a big difference.

This article is republished from The conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.