Let's Take A Stand Against Cancer Now!

HOW YOU CAN HELP

The Aboriginal Cancer Care Unit and the Canadian Cancer Society have years of experience in helping people prevent, control and deal with cancer. Following are some helpful reminders.

When someone you know has cancer.

Chances are, we will all be affected by cancer either directly or indirectly through family community members or people we work with. A cancer diagnosis can be stressful for the individual, family and community. You may want to offer support. Here are some ways you can help.

1 - Keep in touch.

Keeping in contact is often appreciated. If the person is not interested in having visitors, send a card instead. Don’t be upset if they don’t reply, they may be dealing with a lot at this time. If the person would like to talk to someone who has had a similar experience, encourage them to call the Canadian Cancer Society to find out about peer support programs (1 800 263-6750).

2 - Learn to listen.

Visiting a person with cancer doesn’t mean you have to entertain them. Just being there can be helpful.

3 - Ask questions.

Offer to get more information. You may want information yourself. Call the Canadian Cancer Society’s Information Specialists toll free at 1 888 939-3333 or visit the website at http://www.cancer.ca for information about cancer, treatment, side-effects and support services.

4 - Offer a meal.

Occasionally dropping off a meal that can be easily frozen and warmed up later might be helpful.

5 - Organize an outing. Offer to take the person with cancer, their children or parents out. A short outing can give family members a break from their roles as caregivers.

6 - Offer a ride.

Arranging transportation to and from medical appointments can be difficult for some families. Offer to drive and stay with the person throughout the appointment for support.

7 - Give thoughtful gifts.

People might appreciate gifts such as videos, books or extra pillows.

8 - Lend a hand.

Offer to shovel snow, cut the grass, pick up some groceries or do household chores. Having friends take care of some of these activities helps a lot. If you make an offer of help, be sure to follow through. Even better, do it more than once.

Let’s take a stand against cancer NOW! When you want to know more about cancer or services available in your community, you can contact the Canadian Cancer Society toll free at 1 888 939-3333, or by email at [email protected] or online at http://www.cancer.ca