Supporting a friend as they battle against cancer

Friends and family, can struggle to find a way to help their loved one after a shock cancer diagnosis. Focusing on the treatment, mental well-being, physical health and recovery of the patient is paramount. 

Show You Care

• Check in regularly on your friend or family member. While you don’t want to pester them, sending short but frequent notes, texts, Facebook messages or emails lets them know you are thinking about them and you are there for them when/if they need your help.

• Don’t bombard them with questions but regularly ask if there is anything they need such as food, lifts to the hospital, a cleaner or just some company.

• Return their messages right away

• It might be awkward to speak about finances, make sure you broach the idea of financial support or help during their treatment. Many cancer patients struggle to cover the cost of their mortgage, general living expenses and non-PBS medication as they undergo treatment.

Friends, family members, coworkers and associates are more than happy to contribute to someone’s recovery. A mycause campaign can easily assist in gathering donations to disperse monthly to the patient's bank account.

You may even decide to set a challenge for yourself while your loved one battles through with their own challenges. Why not run a marathon, shave your head or hike a mountain to fundraise for cancer treatment? You can even set up a campaign and show your support for your friend or family member by raising money for cancer treatment.

Strength in numbers

Helping someone with cancer does not need to be overwhelming. Join forces with a group of friends, family members or co-workers for more powerful support.

If you do decide to fundraise for your friend or family member, then each of you can be responsible for different parts of the campaign (eg. starting the page, working with the patient on getting images, sending out updates through social media channels and encouraging people to donate). Everyone should promote the  fundraiser on their own social media accounts, to get as much support as possible.

Cancer, how it can affect your finances

Cancer can cause some significant financial problems. A cancer sufferer who is absent from work for quite some time might need additional financial assistance. Their salary can decrease if they work shorter hours to incorporate time for treatment in their schedule.

Ongoing visits to a health professional can cause an even bigger strain on a person's finances. When battling cancer, you will have to consider fuel expenses, accommodation (if a specialist isn’t nearby) and other treatment costs.

To alleviate some of the financial burden, you can set up a fundraiser or create a community event to help raise funds for cancer treatment and medication.

You can also raise money for a cancer cause or charity selected by your loved one, giving support to other people battling against cancer.

Support your friend with cancer

A person battling cancer might find it hard to ask for help, in fear of seeming needy or vulnerable. You can play a pivotal role in assisting a family member or friend living with cancer.

They may trust you and feel close enough to share their greatest struggles and deepest emotions. This is your opportunity to provide the support your family or friend will need during their excruciating journey with cancer.

Cancer patients can develop different kinds of coping strategies to help with emotional challenges throughout their battle with cancer. Some people are open to sharing their emotional challenges, while some are reserved and prefer to work through their concerns in solitude. 

A friend or family member with cancer will need your support to make it through their journey. By showing that you care and putting in the effort to alleviate the stress and financial pressure involved, you will be making a significant contribution to their recovery.