Perhaps you have heard 1 in 3 of us have or will have cancer in our lifetime.

Given that, it would be helpful to learn to talk about cancer in a meaningful way.

If you know someone who has been diagnosed, is in treatment, or is in remission, you may wonder what to say.  Often, we think we will say the wrong thing.

Cancer survivors report it is not helpful to say, “It will all be okay.” We don’t know that.  Often people ask someone with cancer for a “full report”.  People don’t always want to share as it can be exhausting.  One reason people report isolating is they don’t want to have to repeat their story.

“At least…” statements don’t help. Like at least there is treatment, at least they caught it early.  Instead help create space for people to be sad and talk about hard things.

Avoid being an “expert”.  It is not helpful to share other peoples’ stories or things you have read, especially if they are negative.

Remember that once people have been diagnosed it is with them for life, even if they finish  treatment.  Often the anxiety remains – up to 70% of survivors fear recurrence.

Ask about things in their life beyond illness.  People do not want to be stuck in the “cancer world”. 

We want to help and sometimes don’t know how, especially around hard topics.  Hopefully these tips will make it a bit easier.

If you would like to talk more, reach out for a free coaching consultation.