Family and Friends
It is important for family, friends and caregivers to also receive support
as, they too, cope with a cancer diagnosis of a loved one.
Talking to your family & friends about cancer
Communicating a cancer diagnosis to family and friends is difficult. How
exactly do you tell them? And, how do you expect them to react?
No matter what your reservations may be, the important thing to practice
is open communication. It’s up to you how much you want to disclose,
but being open about your diagnosis is the first step towards a healthy
conversation. Talking and discussing what you’re going through can
also help with recovery and adjusting to life during and after treatment.
Emotional support from family and friends can help in numerous ways, including:
There are online communities and blogs where you can also share private
communication to family and friends regarding your cancer journey. Many
patients use it to communicate how treatment is going, and how they are
feeling. It’s a quick and easy way to connect with your family and
friends, and enable them to reach out to you, if they are not comfortable
doing so in person.
Cancer and intimate relationships
Often times, cancer survivors and their loved ones can feel isolated or
alone. Significant others play an important role in offering support during
this challenging time, so it is important to keep communication open and
accept the support of others.
Many women find intimacy challenging during breast cancer for reasons such
as fatigue and nausea, and self-awareness from physical changes due to
treatment. It’s important to speak with your partner, so they understand
how you feel.
Learn about common challenges and changes in your intimate relationships
during and after breast cancer, and how to work through them.
Click here for more information.