When someone you know or love has cancer, it can be challenging to determine the best way to talk to them. To help you navigate this sensitive topic, Alaska Oncology and Hematology, LLC in Anchorage, AK, suggests treating the patient with care, sympathy, and understanding.

As professionals in the oncology field, the team at Alaska Oncology and Hematology, LLC speak with cancer patients every day and have extensive experience handling delicate conversations. Here, they offer a few tips for talking to someone in your life who has cancer.

3 Tips for Talking to Someone With Cancer

1. Honor Their Experiences

When speaking to someone with cancer, it’s always best to take the time to listen to what they have to say. They may have experiences to share about their diagnosis, cancer treatment, and how they feel now that they are in treatment. Make sure you are approaching conversations with a sense of compassion and empathy.

2. Let Them Lead the Conversation

More often than not, those with cancer are faced with difficult situations they may not want to talk about. Try not to force conversations that may be uncomfortable or painful for them to engage in. It’s best to let them lead the conversation, so you can assess the topics they are open to discuss.

3. Use Your Words & Thoughts Carefully

It’s easy to fall into casual conversation when speaking to someone with cancer, especially if they are a friend or family member. Bear in mind that a cancer diagnosis is often a harrowing experiencing, and your words, if not chosen carefully, can cause pain or discomfort. Take extra care when having such conversations, and try to remain positive without relying on their pain or sickness as a talking point.

If you have questions about cancer treatment or how to handle a diagnosis, the team at Alaska Oncology and Hematology, LLC in Anchorage is always willing to help. Give them a call at (907) 279-3155 or like them on Facebook for more information.