"The purpose of human life is to serve, and to show compassion and the will to help others"

- Albert Schweitzer

Psychologists have proven that love is a fundamental human need. Being in loving relationships and spending consistent, in-person time with our loved ones may actually reduce the inflammation present in our bodies.[1]

Abandonment 

Sadly, just when a person needs love and support the most, after being diagnosed with and treated for cancer, they are often abandoned: As many as one in four newly-diagnosed cancer patients lacks social support.[2]

Researchers found that people with colorectal cancer saw a reduction in affection, social interaction and practical and emotional support after surgery for up to two years afterwards.[3]

Some emotional support can help them heal better from the disease… if such patients experience loss of emotional support there is a higher risk of them suffering from depression and anxiety.

“No one to talk to, no one to give them a hug when they’re feeling down, no one to cook them a meal when they’re wiped out from chemotherapy,”

Lend A Helping Hand

In its tweet, CDC Cancer (@CDC_Cancer), says:

“It’s normal for #cancer patients and survivors to feel anxious, afraid, angry, or depressed. If you know a cancer patient or survivor, take a moment today to call, text, or video chat with them[4]…

Your support as a caregiver, family member, or friend, can help survivors in your life stay healthy. [5]

We recommend CDS’s article Helping People with Cancer Stay Healthy for helpful advice on ways you can support cancer survivors, as well as links to advice given by other organisations.

[1] https://www.templeton.org/news/without-love-we-perish

[2] https://bbc.com/news/health-21380607

[3] https://www.indiatimes.com/health/healthyliving/love-and-affection-is-what-they-need-after-their-cancer-treatment-263762.html

[4]  https://bit.ly/3Vit3kc

[5] https://bit.ly/3UShkZs

Do your bit 

Supporting the infirm is supposed to be one of the things that separates us from the animals- we need to try harder as a society.

A parting word of advice: It comes across as pretty thoughtless if you say something like, “Just call if you need help.”

Rather, think of some practical way in which you can help, such as taking the person a home cooked meal, mowing the lawn, doing the dishes, taking the kids off their hands to give them a break and only then ask, “Is there anything else I can help with?”

Cancer Survivors: Don’t be too proud to ask 

If it is you who has the cancer and need help, don’t be afraid to ask friends and family. People are very often so caught up in their own lives that they don’t give any thought to how cancer may have impacted your ability to lead a normal life, with its myriad of chores and responsibilities.

If those close to you are not forthcoming, try to find out is there are any government agencies, charitable or religious organizations or support groups in your area that might be available to assist.

You can find more useful advice in this article on the CANCER CARE site: Coping With Cancer When You’re On Your Own: How to Get the Support You Need