Caregiver Information
How friends and family can help when a loved one has cancer.
What to Expect:
- Shock of diagnosis of a life-threatening disease
- Confusion with choices of surgery and treatment
- Concerns about self-image due to surgery and treatment
- Worry about reactions of friends and family members
- Fear and uncertainty about the future
Do:
- Listen
- Offer specific help with household chores, meals, transportation, child care, etc.
- Take cues from the person
- Let feelings be expressed
- Expect mood changes
- Be there
Don’t:
- Tell the person what to do
- Avoid the person
- Share horror stories
- Be afraid of the person’s sadness; it’s normal.
Follow Adelphi NY Statewide Breast Cancer Program at:
For further information, please contact:
Breast Cancer Hotline and Support Program
p – 516.877.4320
e – breastcancerhotline@adelphi.edu
Support Hotline: 800.877.8077