How To Care For Someone With Cancer

Step 1: Listen Up

Listening is one of the most helpful things you can do for someone who is confronted with a life-threatening disease.

Step 2: Shuttle Service

Offer to drive the patient to the doctor's office and the hospital.

Step 3: Take Note

Take notes of everything that the doctor tells the patient. Many people are overwhelmed during cancer treatment and forget the details.

Step 4: Good Housekeeping

Cancer patients are often exhausted so it's a good idea to help them with their housekeeping. Volunteer to cook, clean, or run errands.

Step 5: Be Real

Don't avoid talking about cancer and don't say, "Everything's going to be all right."

Step 6: Support Yourself

Look for ways to support yourself. There are support groups for people who care for cancer patients.

Step 7: Give It A Break

Take the occasional break from caretaking. If you're feeling good, you'll be better equipped to look after someone else.

Step 8: Live Life To The Fullest

Whether you're caring for someone who is expected to make a full recovery or someone who is terminally ill, try and help that person live each day of life to the fullest.