How to support a loved one if they have cancer?

A loved one in such a difficult time should receive attention and love, but not unnecessary. He wants to know that he means to you and are not living their lives in vain. To show this, you should often ask his advice in some important matters for you (for example, tell me how best to talk to your child, because you had such an experience), share some interesting news with him (positive, not about the coronavirus ), play his favorite games (maybe he hasn't played chess, poker, cards for a long time). He should not feel like a burden, worthless. He needs to feel needed and important and enjoy the rest of the days. And it even happens that when a person begins to enjoy life, interest and significance and the illness recedes.

When a person is diagnosed with an oncological disease, his relatives are usually at a loss and do not know how to react correctly, how to talk with the patient. Often, loved ones try to distance themselves, prefer not to communicate on an uncomfortable topic once again. As a result, the person feels that the attitude towards him has changed, he is avoided. He only gets worse. Some, on the contrary, show excessive concern, ask too many questions about the diagnosis and well-being, behave unnaturally, too emotionally.

In fact, support for a cancer patient is extremely important, but it should not be excessive, intrusive. Many people with cancer want to feel that they can cope with their daily activities, be independent, and, if possible, should not interfere with this. It is important to show that you are sympathetic, worried, but constant talk about illness and lamentations is inappropriate. Show that nothing has changed in your relationship.

It's important to take care of your own peace of mind. Often, loved ones are even more worried than the patient himself, this is fraught with emotional burnout.

In the European clinic, you can always get the help of an oncological psychologist. A specialist will answer all your questions.