Did you know that September is Ovarian, Leukemia, and Lymphoma Cancer Awareness Month, followed by Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October and Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month in November? While these months have the ability to slip right by without notice, it’s not the same for those fighting the disease or their families. For the millions of people living with ovarian or other types of cancer, being recognized and loved can mean the world.
A cancer diagnosis can turn someone’s world upside down. Fighting cancer is not just a battle of the individual diagnosed. A cancer diagnosis affects each and every person in the individual’s life, especially those closest to them.
After finding out a loved one in your life has been diagnosed with cancer, you may be unsure how to best support them. Below are some considerations to help you be the best support system possible for a loved one battling cancer, from ways to lend a hand to cancer gift ideas, we hope these tips help you to be there for the fighter in your life.
Lend a Hand
One way to show your support is to lend a hand whenever possible. Within reasonable limits, lending a helping hand can help relieve stress and anxiety. This could include a variety of different things, like:
- Accompanying them to important cancer appointments
- Offering help with physical errands or tasks
- Providing childcare or emotional support.
- Helping with chores around their house.
Offering yourself in any way possible is a great way to let them know you’re there and you support them.
Honest and Open Communication
When speaking with a loved one about their ovarian cancer diagnosis, it is okay, to be honest, and open. Openly express your feelings and give them a safe space to express their thoughts and feelings too. Let them know it is okay to feel the way they feel and that they can always be open with you, no matter the topic. Be sure to indicate that you’re available for difficult discussions too, such as future planning, but also keep a positive attitude in planning for recovery.
The Little Things
When dealing with such a heavy topic, it can be easy to get caught up in day-to-day actions, such as medications, doctor appointments, chemo, etc. Remember that the little things make a big difference to a person diagnosed with cancer. Looking for cancer gift ideas? We offer several cancer gift boxes. Here are some cancer gift ideas to help brighten your loved one’s day.
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Chemo Comfort and Care Deluxe: This thoughtful cancer gift box comes with a variety of items to promote comfort for someone going through cancer. This set includes a bamboo beanie to keep warm, a powerful tea blend to promote healing and relaxation, ginger chews to ease nausea, and luxurious body cream with essential oils to relax and unwind.
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Calm the Soul Gift: Every woman going through cancer deserves a relaxing spa day to calm her soul. This thoughtful gift set comes with a rose salt soak, which the Egyptians once believed had powerful healing properties. This set also comes with a rose and cheek lip stain to add some glam and a pop of color for those feeling down. What better way to cheer up when you’re down than a piece of chocolate? This set also comes with rich Tien Giang Chocolate for a quick pick-me-up.
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Cancer Awareness
Ovarian Cancer
While Ovarian Cancer is extremely serious and is a very difficult road, there is also great hope! The National Ovarian Cancer coalition reports that the five-year survival rate, when diagnosed and treated in its earliest stages, is 93%! This makes the awareness of this form of cancer crucial for early detection.
If you’d like to be a part of the fight against Ovarian Cancer, you can learn more here.