The person you talk to could be a partner family member close friend or spiritual advisor.

How to support someone dealing with cancer in the family. If you take on the role of caring for someone with cancer you may need to get used to new responsibilities. Review your goals and priorities. Its also not unusual to start thinking about how youll cope about other events in your life the funeral and so on.

Information for family and friends How can you help. Cook clean mow the lawn wash the laundry andor dishes make sure the bills get paid get the kids dressed for school walk the dog and do all of the things that the person in cancer treatment would normally do to keep life going for the rest of the family. With a family member in the hospital your friend may feel strapped for time with either.

While talking on the phone or visiting can be helpful too its often best to let the family schedule the call or visit. This is known as anticipatory grief. Help keep their household running.

If you have a question about cancer or to find out about our range of support services for people affected by cancer in your local area call 13 11 20 to speak to our specially trained staff. Join a support group. Its easy to get caught up in trying to say the right thing or offer your opinion but try to refrain from doing this especially to someone who is newly diagnosed.

Also encourage your family to accept help if its needed. Send a text an email a card a Facebook message. When someone is ill for some time their family and friends often begin to grieve their death before it happens.

Its your job to listen take notes ask pertinent questions organize paperwork and help the patient stay as calm as possible Wolfe agrees that as a support person a family member can be their ears and eyes during a consultation. There are many cancer support groups for people with cancer. Cancer Council offers a range of resources to help you navigate cancer as a carer family member or friend.