Being a friend indeed

Other suggestions from the audience included asking permission before you visit and allowing the caregiver time-off

November 20, 2018

Ronelle Mungaroo 1 minute read

When a friend or family member is diagnosed with cancer, it is imperative to be considerate and remember that there is etiquette to follow.

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Suggestions and advice about ‘How to be a friend to someone with cancer’ provided practical tips to those who attended the Act of Random Kindness (ARK) Support Group and Cancer Survivors Group meeting on Saturday afternoon.

During each meeting, a pertinent topic is addressed and during the past months, a series on cancer has taken centre stage.

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The third part was presented by Ramika Peerbhay. First and foremost, before visiting a friend with cancer, it is vital that you process your own feelings.

“Prepare yourself to be emotionally strong, learn about the diagnosis and think about the illness from your friend’s perspective,” said Mrs Peerbhay.

Other suggestions from the audience included asking permission before you visit and allowing the caregiver time-off during your visits, it was emphasised that the tasks of a caregiver become a 24-hour job.

For some people conversation may falter, so recommendations like: ‘I’m sorry this happened to you’, ‘I care about you’, and ‘I’m praying for you’ were given.

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What not to say to a friend with cancer included: ‘How long do you have?’, “Shame, I’m sorry’, or “I know how you feel.’Offering practical help is also a great way to be a friend to someone in need.