Be prepared to listen.

How to talk to terminal cancer patients. Allow the person to express fears and concerns about dying such as leaving family and friends behind. Dont make light of judge or try to change the way the person feels or acts. This makes them feel like their only identity is cancer patient Laughing and talking about other things are often welcome distractions.

Even if it feels as if youre not doing anything your presence sends an important message. Read his or her blog web page or group emails. In addition dont be afraid to reach out for support from friends and family.

People going through treatment sometimes need a break from talking about the disease. Then a month ago things suddenly turned dramatically south. We dont want to just talk cancer cancer cancer says Maxey.

Try to treat someone who is dying as normally as possible and chat about whats happening in your life. This makes it clear that theyre still a part of your life. Let the person with cancer set the tone about what he or she wants to talk about.

Remember theres no correct way to react to a diagnosis of terminal cancer. Let the person know that youre willing to listen and never underestimate the value of your presence. Body language can be telling even when someone is no longer able to verbally communicate pain.

Do not say I know how. How everyone responds may depend on their relationship with the person dying and their own beliefs about death. Dont however try to replace a.