Cancer Help

Dos and Don’ts: Helping a Friend Who Has Cancer

Do you have a friend with cancer and don’t know how to help? Here are some ground rules for offering support.

• Do keep in touch with notes, cards, text messages, calls and emails.
• Don’t drop by without calling first.
• Do plan for short, more frequent visits rather than long get-togethers.
• Don’t offer medical advice or insist they be strong.
• Do listen without judgement.
• Don’t overlook the caregiver. Helping him or her is just as beneficial as helping your friend.
• Do make specific suggestions on how you can help, such as taking over yardwork, shopping for groceries or coordinating meal drop-offs.

The American Cancer Society offers programs and resources in every community to help make dealing with cancer a little easier. Visit cancer.org/treatment and click “Support in Your Area” to find out what’s available.