Help and information

It’s hard to see a loved one in pain or suffering through side effects of cancer treatment. If you need help coping with your feelings about their illness, know that help is available. The social services department at the hospital or doctor’s office may be able to help you or direct you to someone who can. They may be able to suggest support groups in your area for friends and families of people with cancer. Sometimes the hospital chaplain or your own clergy can help. Asking around to find good counselors can be another way to get the support and help you need. Helping yourself may be the best way to help your loved one.

You can also support the person who has cancer by learning more about the disease. Talk with an expert such as a doctor, nurse, or social worker, and call your American Cancer Society for information. The more you understand your loved one’s cancer, the better able you’ll be to help them cope with it.

The American Cancer Society medical and editorial content team

Our team is made up of doctors and oncology certified nurses with deep knowledge of cancer care as well as journalists, editors, and translators with extensive experience in medical writing.

Last Revised: February 5, 2015

American Cancer Society medical information is copyrighted material. For reprint requests, please see our Content Usage Policy.

Listen with Your Heart: Talking with the Person Who Has Cancer