Supporting a Loved One with Breast Cancer: A Guide for Friends and Family

When someone you love is going through breast cancer, it can be challenging to figure out how to support them best. Every person is different, but you are already taking a step in the right direction by seeking out how you can help in the most effective way possible. Whether they need emotional support, practical support, or both, being there for them is the priority. 

Emotional Support

Going through cancer treatment can be an especially emotional time for people. Being there for someone you love emotionally can mean a lot to them. There are various different ways to emotionally support someone who is going through cancer treatment. 

Be There to Listen: Let your loved one know you are there to listen to whatever they are feeling, happy or sad. Listening can be a powerful tool, and having someone there to listen to them can be very powerful for your loved one.

Let Them Know You Care: This can be done in many different ways; calling someone on the phone or visiting when it’s okay, are great ways to show someone you care. Being there for them while not being too overwhelming can feel like a delicate balancing act, but letting your loved one set the limits can allow for easier communication and care. 

Practical Support 

Many people who are going through breast cancer treatment struggle to carry on as normal with their standard tasks. Providing practical support through cancer treatment can ease a lot of stress for your loved one. It is key to ask beforehand to ensure you are not stepping over any boundaries. 

Help with daily tasks. Some examples of this may be cleaning, walking their dog, and washing dishes or clothes. These may seem like simple tasks, but with treatment and appointments, these daily tasks can seem almost impossible for someone going through cancer. Helping with these small things can make a big difference for your loved one. 

Prepare meals for your loved one. This can mean cooking meals or buying takeout dinners. Whatever this means for you, it can greatly help your loved one. A great option is making meals and freezing them so they can be eaten whenever. Cooking can be a daunting task, but if your loved one has meals in the freezer, it makes it easier for them.

Take them to appointments. Not only can this be a great emotional help, but it can also be practically helpful. Chemotherapy can be draining for cancer patients, and having someone come with you to an appointment can make the time go quicker and make the appointment feel easier.

Talking with your loved one is the first step in being there for them. Let them tell you what they need and how you can help them through this difficult time.