If Someone in Your Life Just Survived Cancer, Here’s How You Can Support Them Now

If your friend, colleague, partner or family member has completed cancer treatment, you probably feel relieved that their treatment is over and was successful. And you probably imagine they’re feeling relieved, too.

But cancer is an emotional roller coaster – and it doesn’t come to a screeching halt once treatment ends. In fact, this can be one of the most challenging times for those with cancer, says psychologist Kathleen Ashton, PhD, who specializes in breast cancer survivorship.

Many cancer survivors feel different than they did before cancer and must adjust to a “new normal” where they aren’t visiting the doctor’s office or hospital each day. They may feel frequent anxiety about what’s next, and whether the cancer will return. Plus, they may continue to experience physical side effects from treatment, or from new medications they’re taking to lessen the risk of recurrence.

So while you may hope and expect for things to go back to “normal” after your loved one receives the all-clear, it’s important to understand the complex feelings they might be experiencing.

Here are some ways you can show support.

Take long-term side effects seriously

Many people develop fatigue, pain, insomnia, or difficulties concentrating or remembering during cancer treatment. Your loved one might also experience emotional symptoms like a depressed mood or irritability. It’s important for them to pace themselves and only plan a reasonable amount of daily activity based on where they are in recovery, Dr. Ashton suggests.

Be patient with them and meet them where they are in their journey. It’s great to plan pleasurable visits and outings that will boost their mood, but understand that they’ll need to rest, too.

Understand that there’s still fear

“Up to 70% of patients may have this strong fear that the cancer is going to return,” Dr. Ashton says.

While this might be a scary topic to talk about with your friend or loved one, it might be helpful for them to think or talk through how they would cope with it. Working with a psychologist may also help them address these fears. “Many times that fear is something that needs to be faced,” Dr. Ashton says.

Listen without trying to fix everything

While you certainly want to make your loved one feel better, sometimes people just need to feel heard. Lend an ear to your friend, and let them know you want to hear about how they’re doing.

Just show up

“One of the best things you can do is not just ask people what you can do, but instead just show up and do it,” Dr. Ashton explains.

Your friend may be so overwhelmed at any given moment that she can’t think of what she needs help with, and coming up with something becomes almost a burden to her. So offer to cook your friend a meal, or let her know you’ll pick up her kid from soccer practice.

Watch for warning signs

Those who have cancer and survivors are at a higher risk for suicide, and some people actually develop post-traumatic stress disorder after treatment. Seek help if you notice that your loved one is struggling to function on a daily basis, withdraws socially or can’t find pleasure in things that used to make them happy.

Be sensitive to body image issues

Body image and sexual health are two of the biggest issues for survivors, Dr. Ashton says. Especially if someone has had surgery or lost their hair, they may struggle to accept their new appearance.

Some medications can also cause sexual side effects.

Allow your loved one space to grieve for these things, and try not to underestimate the gravity of them.

Remember that friends and family play an important role on a person’s cancer care team. Your compassion and small favors can go a long way in making sure they feel supported in this next phase.