Photo: Liza Summer

How to help someone with stage 4 cancer?

Let them know that if they want to talk you'll be there to listen - then make sure you are available. Respect their need for privacy. Offer support throughout the whole diagnosis - at the beginning, during and after treatment. Share a joke or laugh with them if this seems appropriate.

cancerresearchuk.org - Supporting family, friends and caregivers - Cancer Research UK

What size age gap is considered weird?

10 years A relationship age gap bigger than 10 years often comes with its own set of issues. “While there are always exceptions to rules, a good...

Last updated May 5, 2018

Does dark chocolate improve prostate health?

While there is no definitive answer, some studies suggest that dark chocolate may have benefits for prostate health. The flavonoids in dark...

Last updated Mar 14, 2019

Promotion

How to support someone with cancer

When a friend or loved one has cancer you may wonder how best to help and support them. At first you might feel unsure about what to say or do, being open and sensitive to how they are feeling is what most people need. Knowing you are there for them will really help. Every person with cancer has a different experience so try not to assume how they might be feeling. They may feel happy one day and sad the next. Try to be mindful of their mood. Remember that they might not want to talk or think about their cancer all of the time. Having a normal conversation about everyday things and sharing a joke can sometimes be very welcome. Try not to take it personally if they don’t want to talk about their cancer and respect their need for privacy or to have some quiet time. This video has tips from people with cancer about talking to someone with cancer. It lasts for 54 seconds. ! Content not working due to cookie settings. Manage your cookie settings here Transcript How to talk to someone with cancer - Top tips from patients This must be a tough time for you.

I can't imagine how you feel.

I'm sorry youre going through something like this.

I don't know what to say.

I'm here for you if you want to talk.

I know staying positive can be hard, how are you really?

Do you want a lift to your appointment?

I saw a really good film the other day you might want to watch it.

I can talk abut me if you like.

I can drop some dinner over tonight.

The emotions they might feel

You might find that their mood changes from one moment to the next. This is a normal response to a diagnosis of cancer. There are a whole range of emotions that they might experience including:

anger

sadness

uncertainty

fear

guilt

frustration

loneliness

isolation

resentment

grief

Having an understanding of these emotions can help you to support them.

We have a section all about cancer and emotions, which you may want to look at.

Emotional support

Can two black haired parents have a blonde baby?

The 46 chromosomes (23 from each parent) have genes made up of DNA with instructions of what traits a child will inherit. The results can be...

Last updated May 22, 2022

Do you need a prostate to get hard?

The prostate is not necessary for erections to occur. It adds secretions to the ejaculate, which help the sperm to survive. However it does not...

Last updated Jul 25, 2021

Imagine Your Moment Of Freedom!

Fluxactive Complete is conveniently packed with over 14 essential prostate powerhouse herbs, vitamins and grade A nutrients which work synergistically to help you support a healthy prostate faster

Learn More »

Promotion

Research has shown that emotional support from family and friends can make a big difference to the quality of life of someone with cancer. People are often afraid of saying the wrong thing to someone with cancer. If you are open, honest and show your concern then you can be a great support. Here are some tips that might help you.

Do:

Say if you feel awkward – it acknowledges the situation rather than pretending it’s not happening. Give them a friendly hand squeeze or hug – it can go a long way. Ring them up, send a card, note or text to say you’re thinking of them. Let them know that if they want to talk you’ll be there to listen - then make sure you are available.

Respect their need for privacy.

Offer support throughout the whole diagnosis - at the beginning, during and after treatment.

Keep your relationship as normal and as balanced as possible.

Try not to:

Say you know how they feel – we can’t ever know exactly how someone with cancer feels. Tell them to ‘be strong’ or ‘be positive’ – it puts pressure on them to behave a certain way. Take things personally if they seem angry or upset or don’t want to talk.

Offer advice that they haven’t asked for.

Compare their situation to somebody else you know, each person’s experience with cancer is unique.

Being a good listener

A good listener tries to be aware of someone’s thoughts and feelings as much as they can. You don’t need to have all the answers. Just listening to a person’s concerns or worries can be hugely helpful. A good listener tries to really tune in and listen to a person in the moment. Listening is an important part of providing emotional support.

Here are some tips on how to listen well.

Try to keep the setting private, relaxed and with few distractions.

Maintain eye contact but don’t stare.

Let the person with cancer lead the conversation and try not to interrupt.

Give your full attention to what they are saying.

If you’re finding it difficult or upsetting don’t change the subject – say how you feel, this can prevent any awkwardness. If they cry, don’t try to cheer them up. Reassure them that it’s OK to be sad and that it’s a normal response to what’s happening to them.

Does milk decrease DHT?

As we have discussed, cow's milk is brimming with female hormones, and so consuming dairy can further increase estrogen levels. This leads to...

Last updated Jan 4, 2022

When is a man's sperm count the highest?

For healthy semen samples collected between 5:00am and 7:30am were found to exhibit a statistically higher sperm concentration, total sperm count...

Last updated Apr 8, 2020

Promotion

A friendly touch of the hand can help but if they pull away give them space.

Try not to give advice unless they have asked for it.

Don’t use humour unless they have used it themselves.

Silences are OK, don’t feel like you have to fill them with words. This video has top tips from people affected by cancer on how to listen to someone with cancer. It is 54 seconds long. ! Content not working due to cookie settings. Manage your cookie settings here Transcript How to listen to someone with cancer - Top tips from patients Make eye contact but don't stare.

Let me lead the conversation.

Give me your full attention.

Find us somewhere private to talk.

It's ok for one, or both of us, to be upset.

I'll ask if I want advice.

Silences are ok, you don't have to fill them.

Try not to interupt even if I seem upset.

I might not want to talk , please don't take it personally.

Tell me it's normal to be sad.

Practical support

As well as supporting someone emotionally it can help to offer practical support too. Check in with your friend or loved one and ask if there is anything specific that they need help with. Some people don’t want help or they may find it hard to accept it. They might want to remain as independent as possible. Try not to take this personally. Respect their decision but let them know that if they change their mind you are there. You could offer to help again in the future, or set up a rota so that you and friends can take it in turns to help out. Make sure that you are able to commit to any offers of help that you do make.

Here are some practical ideas:

cancerresearchuk.org - Supporting family, friends and caregivers - Cancer Research UK

Why is Red Bull better than Monster?

Red Bull contains caffeine, taurine, B vitamins, and sugar — all of which may provide a short-term energy boost ( 1 , 5 ). Monster contains these...

Last updated Dec 14, 2022

What helps heal the prostate?

Medication and surgical treatments You can take alpha-blockers such as terazosin (Hytrin) or tamsulosin (Flomax) to help relax the prostate and...

Last updated Jul 1, 2020

Promotion

What ethnicity has most blue eyes?

European Scientists believe that it is possible to trace all blue-eyed people back to a common ancestor, who likely had a genetic mutation that...

Last updated May 10, 2021

Promotion

Is olive oil a DHT blocker?

Extra virgin olive oil in hair does encourage hair growth and health: it reduces hair loss by preventing the hormone dihydrotestosterone, or DHT,...

Last updated Apr 16, 2021