5 Things To Do If A Loved One Has Been Diagnosed With Breast Cancer

Learning that someone you care about has been diagnosed with breast cancer can be a stressful and frightening experience. You might wonder how to channel your emotions and, more importantly, how you can help the person go through the treatment process.

Remember that whatever you are feeling, your loved one is also dealing with extreme emotions. For this reason, it is crucial to help them feel at home and supported rather than adding to their worries. Here are a few helpful tips to follow.

How to deal with a breast cancer diagnosis

1.    Act Normal

This may seem like a no-brainer but isn’t often practiced. Once someone announces their breast cancer diagnosis, people tend to look at them differently. Receiving overwhelming pitty doesn’t help their healing process. On the other hand, also don’t completely ignore the diagnosis in the hopes of making them feel normal. Breast cancer needs to be discussed so talk about it, worry about it, but don’t let it control your life.

2.    Educate your friends and family

Write down your questions and concerns about breast cancer, and tag along with your loved one to an appointment with their doctor. Once you have all the answers to your questions, pass them on to your friends and family. This minimizes the uncomfortable instance where the diagnosed person is bombarded with questions about breast cancer.

3.    Get ready for the changes

Keep in mind that after someone you know has been diagnosed with breast cancer, they will undergo physical and emotional changes. These are usually induced by medications, side effects from treatments like chemo, and the overall stress that comes with the diagnosis, and can make them agitated, depressed, tired, or moody at times. When you know this change is expected, you will better be able to handle it. You should also prepare others around them for the same.

4.    Don’t Pressurize Them

Finding out your diagnosis for breast cancer can truly shake a person’s world. With all the appointments, medications, scans, and rollercoaster of emotions, your loved one might not be in the right state of mind. So don’t expect them to text you back instantly, meet you very often, or be overly cheerful when they see you. Cut them a lot of slack. Remember that they still love and care about you but might be too overwhelmed to express it.

5.    Make them feel special

Making small gestures for your diagnosed family member or friend will help them feel loved and cared for. Hand-written letters, notes, and cards are a great place to start. Cook them their favorite meal or take them to a nice park to walk around and enjoy nature. Cancer can be a lonely experience, so these loving acts of kindness will not go unnoticed or unappreciated.

Dealing with breast cancer diagnosis of a loved one is never easy. However, knowing how to react and deal with it the right way can make a world of difference for both you and them.

For more, read about the Top 10 Resources During Breast Cancer Awareness Month. 

https://www.healthline.com/health/breast-cancer/what-to-do-when-your-friend-has-breast-cancer

https://www.cancer.org/treatment/caregivers/when-someone-you-know-has-cancer.html

https://www.webmd.com/breast-cancer/guide/breast-cancer-tips-family