We have all heard a lot about cancer and the impact it can have on someone’s life. We have heard stories of survivors, stories of those who fought and stories of those who have lost to the disease.

However, one question that we all constantly have is “How do I support someone who is diagnosed with cancer?”  Our intentions maybe in the right place but sometimes we don’t know where to begin or how to approach the person or how to actually help them out.

On World Cancer Day, let’s make the lives of the ones we love who are diagnosed with cancer a little easier by letting them know they are not alone – Here are ways in which you can support them!
1. Deal with your own feelings first
It is incredibly hard to realize that someone you love and care about is diagnosed with cancer – first pause and reflect on how you are feeling because the last thing that you want to do is overwhelm someone who is already going through a lot.

2. Learn whatever you can about the diagnosis
Understand what exactly it is that they are going through – talk to the doctor if you can, read about it or talk to other people who might have information. It is not advisable to push the person diagnosed for more information as they may not want to talk about it.

3. Always ask permission
Whether you want to visit them, or bring some friends over or even accompany them to the hospital make sure you first ask them if they are completely okay with it before doing it. Do not go over there uninvited because you never know what they are going through at that point.

4. Plan your schedule
Make sure you are flexible with your schedule so that you can take time out whenever they need you.

5. Don’t treat them differently
Remember they are a person before a patient – do not keep constantly talking about medication, hospital and diagnosis! Treat them like how you would treat them otherwise and remember that it is the best thing you can do for someone who is fighting Cancer.