I CAN
SUPPORT OTHERS
Support from friends, families,
employers and colleagues can help a
person living with cancer better adjust
to the changes cancer brings to their
lives and improve their quality of life.
For some people, support may be needed
over many years after the initial diagnosis
as they continue to live with the physical
and emotional impacts of cancer even
when treatment is finished.
Family members, especially partners
can be a critical source of support for a
person living with cancer. Often, family
members take on the role of carer and
sometimes adjusting to this change in
roles can place strain on relationships1.
Keeping the lines of communication
open and talking about feelings can be
important ways to help couples cope
with changing relationships and other
physical and emotional challenges of
cancer.
At work, a supportive approach
from employers and colleagues can
reduce anxiety and provide the sk ills
and confidence to return to work
successfully. For employers, making
adjustments such as changes in tasks,
hours, or function and maintaining
open communication can be important
factors in getting people back to work
successfully. For colleagues, being
sensitive to the needs and feelings of the
person affected by cancer at work and
keeping in touch during time away from
the workplace can be very helpful. Some
workplaces have an employee assistance
programme or other type of support
network to help employees affected by
cancer or other illnesses3, 4.
GIVING HOPE AND SUPPORT TO
SOMEONE LIVING WITH CANCER
CAN MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE IN
THEIR LIFE.
Friends can play a major role in providing
emotional, social and practical support.
Spending time with a person, being
willing to talk about their experiences
and providing assistance with errands or
tasks can all be enormously helpful2.
1.
2.
38
Girgis A, Lambert S, Johnson C, et al. (2013). Physical,
Psychosocial, Relationship, and Economic Burden of
Caring for People With Cancer: A Review. J Oncol
Practice, 9, 197-202
American Cancer Society. Be a friend to someone
with cancer. http://www.cancer.org/treatment/
understandingyourdiagnosis/talkingaboutcancer/howto-be-a-friend-to-someone-with-cancer
Faith Crafter January 2016
www.faithcrafter.com
3.
4.
Macmillan Cancer Support. Work and Cancer. http://
www.macmillan.org.uk/information-and-support/
organising/work-and-cancer/if-youre-an-employer
American Cancer Society. When someone you
know has cancer. http://www.cancer.org/treatment/
understandingyourdiagnosis/talkingaboutcancer/
whensomeoneyouknowhascancer/when-someone-youknow-has-cancer-toc