Nearly 200,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer in the United States each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). With so many women impacted, there is a better than average chance that you will find yourself in a position to offer support to a friend or loved one struggling with a diagnosis or treatment. There are many ways that you can help a friend through the crisis of breast cancer, including both emotional support and doing tangible tasks.
Step 1
Tell your friend you're there for her in any way she needs. It's OK to admit you don't know what to say as long as you make an effort to let your friend with breast cancer know you care. Whether it's silent companionship, allowing your friend to vent her fears and frustrations, or talking to her about her normal life, your emotional support can be incredibly important.
Step 2
Send a card or letter of support. It will be a lasting token of your caring feelings, and oftentimes will serve as a reminder that your friend is not alone. When going through treatment for breast cancer, women are often tired and not well enough to receive visitors. Cards and letters are sometimes better than phone calls or in-person visits because your friend can read them when it's convenient to her.
Step 3
Drive your friend to doctor's appointments and breast cancer treatments. Chemotherapy can cause nausea and vomiting, and visiting the doctor can be frustrating, leaving a woman too sick or too emotional to drive herself home. In addition to being a practical way to show your support of a friend with breast cancer, your company may also be of comfort. "Modern Mom" magazine indicates you may act as a conduit to improve communication between doctor and patient, as well.
Step 4
Offer to clean your friend's house or prepare some simple dinners. Take her shopping list with you when you go grocery shopping. Mundane tasks that you can take over for your friend as she's dealing with a breast cancer diagnosis or treatment will mean so much. "Selfhelp Magazine" notes that breast cancer patients may not be able to take care of all their usual household duties, so doing something as simple as taking out the trash can be very helpful.
