How to Support Cancer Survivors: Physician-Recommended Strategies for Friends and Family
June is National Cancer Survivors Month, a time to celebrate the strength, resilience, and triumphs of those who have faced cancer. Thanks to advancements in treatment and early detection, more people than ever are living beyond cancer and writing their incredible stories of survival and healing.
Each cancer survivor has a unique journey, and support plays an essential role in their ongoing well-being. From navigating physical and emotional challenges to overcoming the hurdles of rebuilding their lives, survivors benefit deeply from the care and empathy of those around them.
Your presence and kind words can make a lasting difference, whether you’re standing by someone recently diagnosed or supporting a loved one long after treatment has ended.
How You Can Care for and Stand Beside Cancer Survivors in Your Life
1. Offer Emotional Support
Cancer survivors often carry invisible scars, and being a compassionate presence can ease their mental and emotional recovery.
● Listen without judgment. Sometimes the best thing you can do is just be there. Allow space for them to share what they’re feeling without needing to “fix” it.
● Say simple, supportive things. Phrases like “I’m here for you” or “Tell me how I can help” give them the space to open up and can be even more powerful than advice.
● Don’t compare others’ experiences. It’s tempting to tell your loved one what either you or a close friend’s experience was with treatment or medication (positive or negative), but unless they specifically ask, don’t volunteer that information. That’s their doctor’s role. Your focus should just be on what they are experiencing and offering support.
● Be aware of their mental health. Depression, anxiety and fear of cancer recurrence are common among survivors. While your openness and kindness can go a long way, it's sometimes best to connect them with a professional, such as a therapist, if needed.
2. Help with Daily Tasks
When someone's energy is limited or fatigue seems to linger for long periods, practical support—as in helping with everyday tasks—makes a big difference.
● Take initiative. Instead of saying “Let me know if you need help,” try “Can I drop off dinner Thursday?” or “Want me to pick up groceries this weekend?”
● Offer specific help with chores like laundry, yardwork or organizing paperwork, especially after surgery or chemotherapy when energy is usually lowest.
● Help coordinate care if they have follow-ups or need assistance getting to appointments.