A list of things you should and should not say to someone who is sick
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers, and also leading causes of death, especially among women. October is observed as Breast Cancer Awareness Month to reduce the stigma around the disease and educate people to raise awareness about prevention, treatment, and risk of breast cancer.
As we observe this month amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, that has been plaguing the world, it is important to understand the impact of the disease on people's mental health, especially when it has hit the worst due to the stress of the pandemic. As important as it is to know the symptoms, causes, and prevention methods of the disease, it is also equally vital to know how to deal with someone who is suffering from it, and/or was a victim of it in the past. As we observe Breast Cancer Awareness Month when people may need each other's support more than ever, here is a list of a few things you should and should not say to someone who is suffering from the disease.
What you should, and should not say to someone suffering from Breast Cancer
- To get over it – The disease can not just be life-threatening, but also life-changing. If you know someone who has or currently is battling the disease, do not come to them with the” get over it” solution. Dealing with the aftereffects of a disease can also be equally difficult, and take a toll on your physical and mental health.
- They do not need their breasts – Breast cancer is likely to affect older women, more than the younger ones. Very often, these elderly women who have already undergone several changes when it comes to their body, hear people say that it is okay that they have the disease because they do not need their breasts anymore for nursing their newborns. However, they often fail to understand that such drastic changes can have a deep impact on a person's psychological health as well.
- It is just hair – Patients of breast cancer often undergo chemotherapy as treatment, which can lead to hair loss and baldness. Many people think they are consoling when they tell a patient that it is just hair, and it will grow back, or they can fix it with a wig. Not only it is insensitive, but it is also derogatory to reduce their illness to just hair loss.
- Give unnecessary tips – We all believe in the power of home remedies, and some miraculous ways to cure certain diseases. However, unfortunately, these cures or remedies do not work for cancer. By giving patients unnecessary tips on how they can “cure” their cancer, it can not only make the problem worse but can also make them feel like they are not doing enough for their health.
- Blame it on them – Breast cancer is caused by a variety of factors. Some of these factors are under our control, such as our lifestyle, while others are not – such as genetics. To blame it on the patient that it is because of their carelessness or lifestyle that they got the disease is not correct, because many people may not get the disease even when they follow a similar lifestyle, simply because it does not run in their family.
What to say instead?
It is important to be supportive, and understanding of the pain a breast cancer patient is going through. Simply asking them how they are, keeping up with their appointments and treatments, and helping them still lead a normal life are a few things we can do. Remember, if you do not have anything nice to say, it is best to not say anything at all.