What Not to Say to Someone With Cancer
Lesson #4
That question can feel a lot heavier than people realize.
Sometimes it sounds less like curiosity and more like:
“So… what did you do?”
The truth is, cancer is complicated.
Sometimes there are known risk factors.
Sometimes there are genetic changes.
Sometimes there are environmental exposures.
Sometimes there is no clear answer at all.
And even when there is an answer, it usually isn’t something a person with cancer wants to explain every time they tell someone about their diagnosis.
When someone says, “I have cancer,” they probably don’t need an investigation.
They need support.
Try this instead:
'How are you doing?”
“How can I support you?”
“I’m here.”
Simple. Kind. Enough.
No shame, no blame — just a little awareness from someone walking it. 💋