Breast cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer among women. Approximately 122 women per 100,000 had breast cancer in 2005, according to the most recent statistics from the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation. When someone you know is diagnosed with breast cancer, it can be difficult to know how best to support that woman. Those who are close to someone diagnosed with breast cancer are known as co-survivors. These people are vital to helping their loved ones beat breast cancer.
Instructions
1. Listen. Someone who is going through breast cancer will have a range of emotions. They may be angry, scared, depressed or tired. Allow them to talk about their emotions and offer any kind of verbal support you can. They don't necessarily want to hear you say "Everything will be okay." They have fears and they need to be able to talk about them and confront them.
2. Assist with anything you can. Treatments for breast cancer can leave a woman feeling tired and worn down. Contribute anything you can to make her life easier. Cook meals, clean up around the house, drive her to appointments, mow the lawn. Get others involved to help by creating a support group. Divide tasks to make sure everything gets accomplished.
3. Don't always treat them like a patient. She doesn't need a constant reminder of her situation. Help out but let her do some things on her own. If she loves to cook, go grocery shopping for her but let her cook. Encourage her to continue her hobbies. Take her out to her favorite restaurants and stores. Continuing the activities she loves will inspire her to continue fighting.
4. Participate in the Komen Race for the Cure. You can walk or run the 5K race, one of the largest series of organized walks in the world. Gather a team of family and friends to participate in the race and raise money. The money is used to continue breast cancer research and raise awareness. It is also one of the most emotional events you can experience. Thousands of breast cancer survivors and their families walk and run with pride.
5. Stay educated. The Susan G. Komen for the Cure Website offers educational information about breast cancer so you know exactly what is going on with the cancer in your loved one's body. The site also offers tips on what you can do to help.
Tags: breast cancer, breast cancer, diagnosed with, diagnosed with breast, Komen Cure
