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Canadian Cancer Society

Helping someone

Finding out that someone you know has cancer often comes as a shock. Perhaps you’ve never been through something like this with a friend or family member. What should you say? What should you do? How should you act?

A daughter sitting behind her mother with her hands on her shoulder

How you can help someone with cancer

There are many ways you can help someone who has cancer. But sometimes just listening is the best thing you can do. And if neither of you feels like talking, then sitting quietly and simply being there is often enough.

A daughter sitting behind her mother with her hands on her shoulder
A grandmother smiling with her two young granddaughters
Caregiving

Caring for someone with cancer isn’t easy. The responsibility may feel overwhelming at times, but being a caregiver can be very rewarding.

A mother hugging her daughter

Helping families living with childhood cancer

When a child has cancer, every family member is affected by the cancer diagnosis. Each person in the family may cope differently and need help in different ways.

A mother hugging her daughter

Helping a co-worker with cancer

Many people with cancer want to continue working as much as they can. Just being around other people and following a familiar routine may be helpful. It’s important for co-workers to know how to respect a person’s privacy and be supportive at the same time.