Ways to support a cancer survivor

The term ‘cancer survivor’ is used to describe anyone who has been diagnosed with cancer, starting from the moment of diagnosis and continuing through treatment and beyond. Survivorship can mean living with cancer or being cancer-free.¹

The support that a survivor needs may look very different over the course of their journey. As they come to the end of their treatment, some survivors report feeling less connected to their support networks and finding it hard to adjust back to ‘normal’ life. This may be because they no longer see their medical team as often, or because friends and family have eased back into their own routines. Some survivors may find that relationships have changed, or they might struggle to find others who truly understand what they have been through.²

Research shows that cancer survivors who feel supported tend to experience a higher quality of life, greater resilience, and a more optimistic outlook.³ If you want to show support to someone living with cancer, here are 8 practical ways you can help. If you are living with cancer and would like some more support, consider sharing these ideas with your friends and family to help them support you.

1. Schedule a ‘listening’ visit

Offer your time to simply listen. Allow them to talk about their thoughts and emotions without feeling the need to offer advice. Acknowledge their fears and feelings of uncertainty. If they’re not in the mood to talk, just sitting quietly together can be comforting. Keep your visits short to respect their energy levels and make sure the visit feels positive for both of you.⁴

2. Accompany them to appointments

Whether it’s a routine check-up or a follow-up scan, accompanying them to medical appointments can offer invaluable moral support. Having you there may help ease their anxiety, and you can also help by taking notes during the discussion with their doctor or healthcare team.⁵

3. Deliver meals or shop for groceries

Fatigue is a common challenge for cancer survivors, so small gestures like dropping off a prepared meal or completing their food shopping can provide significant relief. Ask what they’d like ahead of time to make sure you’re considering their tastes and needs. Even if the meal isn’t eaten right away, it could be frozen for future use.⁶

4. Offer to help with chores

Daily activities like cleaning, childcare, or running errands can feel overwhelming for people living with cancer. Reach out and ask if assistance with household tasks might help lighten their load. Your time and effort can offer them a much-needed break.⁵

5. Provide support with paperwork

Sorting finances, organising medical appointments and dealing with other paperwork can be daunting, particularly if someone is feeling low on energy. Understanding what benefits are available, such as government support schemes, can also be confusing. Offering to help with these tasks may help relieve some of the burden you’re loved one is experiencing.⁷

6. Spend time in nature together

Encourage gentle outdoor activities such as a short walk in a local park. Fresh air and natural surroundings can alleviate stress and lift spirits. Spending time together also fosters connection and gives you both an opportunity to focus on the present moment.⁸

7. Plan a laughter-filled activity

Laughter has been shown to boost mood and potentially enhance the immune system. Whether it’s watching a comedy film or episodes of a favourite sitcom, or sharing funny stories, humour can provide joy and bring some lightness to challenging times.⁹

8. Send a thoughtful card

Taking the time to write a hand-written note can have a powerful impact. Share words that express empathy, encouragement, and support. Unlike a quick text or email, a physical card can be revisited over time and a reminder that they are not alone.

Living with and beyond cancer comes with unique hurdles, and survivors should never feel like they have to face them on their own. With small but meaningful acts of care, you can help someone close to you feel seen, valued, and supported as they continue along their path of recovery.