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No one really knows what to say when a loved one is diagnosed with cancer, and even well-meaning words can land awkwardly. What are a few things to absolutely avoid saying to your loved ones with cancer, and a few others that might cause them to smile and feel supported?
“God / The Universe never gives you something you can’t handle.
” While this may be true, or may not be true, when you get a cancer diagnosis, you don’t think to yourself: “Wow, so glad the Divine really thinks I’m strong!” When you’re diagnosed with cancer, you feel overwhelmed and terrified.
“Does cancer run in your family? Did you do something to cause this? Did you eat too much sugar or smoke a lot or drink too much?”
Do not try to imply it’s their fault. Cancer is scary and no one wants it. Most of the time, a patient will never know what caused their cancer.
“You’ve got the good kind / stage / type of cancer.”
This goes without saying, but there is no good kind of cancer. Period. And even if it’s caught early, it’s still scary.
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