6 Thoughtful and Supportive Ways to Help Someone With Breast Cancer

Fact: Every 2 minutes, a woman in the US is diagnosed with breast cancer symptoms. We all know someone close who has been through this disease. So it’s important to know how to help someone with breast cancer selflessly. 

Breast cancer is a tough time for women. It affects them both physically and mentally. Various breast cancer symptoms are life-changing and treatments could leave perpetual marks.

In such distressing times, how can you be thoughtful, supportive, and kind? How can you empathize with them? 

Sometimes, all that a breast cancer patient needs is a really good listener. Nothing fancy, nothing flashy!

Running out of ideas? Check out these 6 simple ways to help someone with breast cancer and make a slight difference in their struggle. 

1. Cook a healthy meal for someone with breast cancer:

One of the best things you can do for someone with breast cancer symptoms is to cook healthy cuisines for them.

Protein-rich meals including meat, fish, eggs, seeds, and pulses, are healthy foods for breast cancer patients.

A popular cancer-fighting soup containing black seeds, lentils, and many vegetables has been proven effective for cancer patients. These ingredients can effectively fight inflammation.

You can whip up these foods for them or ask them what they’d prefer. Cooking food at their place can be a good distraction for them and will help you bond with the breast cancer patient.

2. Pamper your friend:

Pampering a cancer patient can make all the difference on a dull day!

Take them for a girls’ day to a spa for a thorough massage or to a salon for manicure and pedicure.

You can also help your loved ones with breast cancer by surprising them with thoughtful gifts. Give them a pretty scarf or an inspiring book to read. 

Remember – it doesn’t matter how big the gift is. Show them you love and care for them. Keep the present small, lovely, yet something that will show your affection towards them.

You can also do your part simply by giving them the attention they need. Celebrate all special moments such as birthdays and Christmas together and keep them involved.

3. Help with the daily chores:

You can also help those fighting breast cancer by doing their daily chores such as paying their bills or by getting groceries. 

Chemotherapy is a rough time for women and it can be super exhausting. Helping out with routine stuff would mean the world to them.

Go over to their place on weekends (or after work) to clean up, do the dishes, or help water their plants. Before dropping by, ask them if they need anything so you could buy it on your way. 

A breast cancer mom has the most difficult life – especially if she has young kids. Because of her condition, she might be unavailable to take care of her children. They may be in deep trauma and need attention.

Look out for the kids of these struggling moms and normalize their life. Take them to school or after-school activities such as dance class, sports practice, and sleepovers with friends. 

You could cook them breakfast, lunch or dinner treats. Play games with and give company to kids on difficult days. Before visiting their home, buy some presents for them so they can cheer them up.

You may need to discuss what their mother is going through from time to time. It’ll help them make sense of everything. Be a good listener and make sure the children know they can come to you for help.

4. Accompany the breast cancer patient to doctor’s appointment:

Chemotherapy is a painful treatment and can be hard for cancer patients. It can drain you of energy – both mentally and physically.

Loneliness makes it worse. Your company to their weekly chemotherapy sessions is one of the best things you can do for breast cancer fighters.

You can also offer to go to the next doctor’s appointment with them. Take notes and discuss important queries with the doctor.

Avoid leaving them alone during this phase. You can be their source of inspiration and strength. Knowing they are not alone can give a breast cancer patient renewed hope and resilience.

5. Throw a hair cutting party for extra support:

Breast cancer patients lose their hair during radiation. As soon as you see the first signs of hair loss, you can throw them a big haircut party!

This can be a bonding moment for a supporting group to gather and cut your friend’s hair. Plus, some friends can donate hair as well for a good cause. 

This small gesture of love could become a lovely memory for your lady friend fighting breast cancer symptoms. 

6. Listen to their stories and empathize:

Last but not the least, listen to them. Most of all, that’s what they need. 

Stop dropping unsolicited advice and showering them with opinions. Assume they’ve already heard and tried everything!

Breast cancer patients only need someone who can lend an ear during hard times and understand their struggle. Hold their hand and let them get vulnerable. 

Fighting cancer alone is really difficult. Always be there for them. It’s so helpful for them to have someone they can share their pain with.

Also, be mindful of the stuff you shouldn’t say to breast cancer patients. If you’re not careful, you might end up hurting them. Focus only on listening, empathizing, and being a good supportive friend.