Supporting a loved one with breast cancer can feel overwhelming, and you may be at a loss of what to do—but small acts of kindness can make a world of difference to them. This can include practical help and emotional support, so if you’re looking to lighten their burden, these are 18 meaningful ways you can really help.
Be an Active Listener
When someone is working through breast cancer, having a compassionate ear can make a significant difference, so you could let them talk openly about what they’re feeling—whether it’s fear, anger, or even hope—without rushing to respond. You don’t need to have all the answers; sometimes, the best support comes from simply being present.
Offer to Drive to Appointments
Frequent trips to the hospital for treatments or consultations can quickly become exhausting, both physically and emotionally. Therefore, offering to drive them to their appointments will be appreciated. You can even chat to distract them on the journey or simply be there for moral support.
Cook or Deliver Healthy Meals
Battling cancer often saps energy, making everyday tasks like cooking almost impossible, so one of the most thoughtful things you can do is provide them with nourishing meals that are easy to heat up when they’re too tired to cook. Preparing or delivering a dish they love can bring a moment of comfort to their day, and if cooking isn’t your strength, there’s no shame in picking up something readymade.
Help with Everyday Chores
It’s amazing how the little things—laundry, vacuuming, grocery shopping—can pile up when someone’s energy is focused on healing. You don’t have to wait for them to ask for help; sometimes just showing up and saying, “I’ve got this,” is exactly what they need for help around the house.
Send Thoughtful Gifts
A well-chosen gift can speak volumes about your care, especially if it’s something that will make the healing process more comfortable for them, like a cosy blanket during chemo sessions, or a set of aromatherapy oils to help them relax. You might also think practically—soft hats, scarves, or skincare products for sensitive skin.
Organise a Fundraiser
Going through cancer treatment may make the person want to do something to help others going through it, too, but they may not have the energy to organise something right now. If you organise a fundraiser for a cancer charity, it can be a wonderful way to rally support, and it also demonstrates that their network of family, friends, and neighbours are ready to stand with them
Be Specific in Your Offers
Sometimes, general offers of help like “Let me know if you need anything” can feel overwhelming or vague to someone who’s already juggling so much, so instead, try offering specific help, such as, “Can I pick up the kids from school on Tuesdays?” or “Would you like me to do your weekly shop?”
Respect Their Need for Space
Cancer can be an all-consuming experience, and sometimes the person going through it may need moments to retreat and process things privately. Respect their need for space, even if it means stepping back when you’d rather stay close, and let them know you’re there for them whenever they need you.
Help Manage Paperwork
The sheer volume of paperwork that comes with medical treatments can be overwhelming—appointment schedules, test results, and more. Offering to help sort through this administrative load can be an enormous relief, whether you create a filing system, help fill out forms, or simply sit with them to go through a confusing stack of documents.
Join Them for a Walk
If they’re feeling up to it, invite them to join you for a leisurely stroll, not just for exercise but to enjoy a breath of fresh air and a change of scenery for them. Allow them to dictate the pace and direction, and don’t feel the need to fill every moment with conversation if they just want to walk in silence.
Arrange Childcare or Pet Care
Looking after children or pets can be demanding on a good day, let alone during cancer treatment, therefore having someone to help with these responsibilities can be a game-changer. You could babysit for an afternoon, pick up the kids from school, or even take their dog for a long walk.
Stay in Regular Contact
One of the most important things you can do is stay present in their life, even in small ways, like with a quick text to say you’re thinking of them, a funny meme to brighten their day, or a short phone call just to check in can mean so much. Avoid disappearing or waiting for them to reach out first, because they might not have the energy to do so.
Educate Yourself About Breast Cancer
Taking the time to understand breast cancer and its treatments shows a level of care that goes beyond surface gestures. When you learn about what they’re experiencing, you’re better equipped to support them in meaningful ways, and this also helps you avoid unintentionally saying something insensitive or unhelpful, even if you mean well.
Respect Their Decisions
Each person’s journey with illness is deeply personal, and the decisions they make about their treatment or lifestyle reflect their unique needs and values, so whether or not you agree with their choices, what matters most is showing your support. Avoid giving unsolicited advice or sharing stories about others unless they ask.
Join Them in Activities They Love
Spending time together doing something they enjoy can be a wonderful way to provide support without making it all about what they’re going through, like painting, gardening, watching films, or even just chatting over a cup of tea; these moments can bring a sense of normalcy. It’s better to let them take the lead and agree to join them if they ask.
Advocate for Their Needs
Working through the medical system can be overwhelming, especially when someone is feeling unwell or unsure of what to ask, so offering to accompany them to appointments can provide both emotional and practical support. You can take notes, ask questions, or simply sit beside them as a presence they need.
Respect Their Privacy
Cancer is an incredibly personal journey, and not everyone wants their story shared, even with the best intentions, so with this in mind, always ask before discussing their situation with others. Work to respect their boundaries if they’d rather keep things private, not for the sake of secrecy but for letting them control how and when they share their own story.
Create a Care Package
One final idea for supporting someone during this time is making up a care package, including items that bring comfort and extra personal touches like handwritten notes, their favourite snacks, or a book that’s meaningful to you. It doesn’t have to be extravagant; it’s the thought and effort that count.