Say what? 8 things you shouldn’t – or should – say to a cancer patient – Fred Hutch
Posted by jpluimers on 2026/08/07
[Wayback/Archive] Say what? 8 things you shouldn’t – or should – say to a cancer patient – Fred Hutch
This holds for many non-cancer patients as well, see for instance [Wayback/Archive] How to comfort people to actually make them feel better ? : socialskills.
Every patient is unique, so don’t suggest alternatives unless you have been in exactly the same situation as they are in.
Even then, better than bringing up their disease, ask them how you can help, show your care, sit down and just listen, or talk normal aspects of anyone’s life: hobbies, family, weather, food, etc.
The worst you can do is not being there at all. This is how long lasting friendships end.
For anyone, it is very tiring to talk about a single aspect of their life for each and every day. Not even new moms as the article from the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center mentions.
Via Steve and Helen Teixeira, who are going through a (for me partially relatable) very rough period:
- [Wayback/Archive] Mozilla’s product chief sues the Firefox maker, alleging discrimination after cancer diagnosis – GeekWire
- [Wayback/Archive] Mozilla is trying to push me out because I have cancer – CPO
Both are now active at [Wayback/Archive] Cypress Oak Studios and active on Mastodon at
- [Wayback/Archive] Helen Teixeira (@imhelendt@mastodon.online) – Mastodon
- [Wayback/Archive] Steve Teixeira (@stevetex@mastodon.social) – Mastodon
--jeroen
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