June is National Cancer Survivors Month, a time to celebrate the strength, resilience and triumphs of those who have faced cancer. Thanks to advancements in treatment and early detection, more people than ever are living beyond cancer and writing their incredible stories of survival and healing.
Each cancer survivor has a unique journey, and support plays an essential role in their ongoing well-being. From navigating physical and emotional challenges to overcoming the hurdles of rebuilding their lives, survivors benefit deeply from the care and empathy of those around them.
Your presence and kind words can make a lasting difference, whether you’re standing by someone recently diagnosed or supporting a loved one long after treatment has ended.
How You Can Care for and Stand Beside Cancer Survivors in Your Life
1. Offer Emotional Support
Cancer survivors often carry invisible scars, and being a compassionate presence can ease their mental and emotional recovery.
- Listen without judgment. Sometimes the best thing you can do is just be there. Allow space for them to share what they’re feeling without needing to “fix” it.
- Say simple, supportive things. Phrases like “I’m here for you” or “Tell me how I can help” give them the space to open up and can be even more powerful than advice.
- Don’t compare others’ experiences. It’s tempting to tell your loved one what either you or a close friend’s experience was with treatment or medication (positive or negative), but unless they specifically ask, don’t volunteer that information. That’s their doctor’s role. Your focus should just be on what they are experiencing and offering support.
- Be aware of their mental health. Depression, anxiety and fear of cancer recurrence are common among survivors. While your openness and kindness can go a long way, it’s sometimes best to connect them with a professional, such as a therapist, if needed.
2. Help with Daily Tasks
When someone’s energy is limited or fatigue seems to linger for long periods, practical support—as in helping with everyday tasks—makes a big difference.
- Take initiative. Instead of saying “Let me know if you need help,” try “Can I drop off dinner Thursday?” or “Want me to pick up groceries this weekend?”
- Offer specific help with chores like laundry, yardwork or organizing paperwork, especially after surgery or chemotherapy when energy is usually lowest.
- Help coordinate care if they have follow-ups or need assistance getting to appointments.
3. Encourage Healthy Habits
Survivors are often encouraged to build or maintain a healthy lifestyle as part of their long-term recovery. Your support can make this easier and more sustainable.
Prioritize nutritious eating:
- Stock their fridge with cancer-friendly staples like fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole grains.
- Cook or bring balanced, nourishing meals to share.
- Avoid making comments about their weight and appearance, and instead focus on foods that provide nourishment.
Help them stay active:
- Invite them for low-impact movement, like a walk, yoga class or light stretching.
- Ask what their doctor recommends before suggesting activities.
- Be flexible, as some days will feel better than others.
Encourage rest and self-care:
- Respect their need for naps or downtime.
- Gently reinforce healthy routines like bedtime wind-downs, hydration and stress relief.
- Lead by example with activities that bring peace, like reading, journaling or spending time outside in nature.
4. Respect Their Recovery Journey
No two survivors heal the same way. Some may want to talk about cancer often, while others may not.
- Avoid comparisons to other survivors or expectations about “bouncing back.”
- Follow their lead in conversations. If they want to talk about something other than cancer, that’s okay too.
- Don’t push them into activities they’re not ready for.
5. Attend Medical Appointments (If Invited)
Go with them to appointments if they’re comfortable, since your presence can be a source of strength.
- Offer to give them a ride and to go along for support.
- Help take notes and ask questions.
- Assist in keeping track of follow-up care, test results and medication routines.
6. Be Patient with Mood Changes
Survivors may still be processing trauma and recovering from stress or fatigue, even months or years after treatment.
- Approximately 25 percent of cancer survivors experience depression. Understand that mood swings, anxiety or irritability can be part of the healing process and try not to take it personally.
- Be gentle. Offer space when needed, but let them know you’re there to talk or help when they’re ready.
- Check in periodically with simple questions like, “How are you feeling this week?”
7. Help Them to Socialize and Connect
Isolation can deepen emotional struggles for survivors, so make an effort to help them connect with others.
- Invite them to low-key social activities like a walk, lunch or coffee catch-up.
- Host small get-togethers or dinners out that aren’t overwhelming.
- Offer options like a phone call if in-person meet-ups feel like too much.
8. Celebrate Milestones and Respect Their “New Normal”
Survivorship can come with physical changes, new routines or life perspective shifts. Life after cancer is worth honoring, which is something that’s within your power to do.
- Celebrate how far they’ve come, not just what they “used to be.” Acknowledge their progress, no matter how small: “You walked a mile today? That’s incredible.”
- Consider sending a card or message on their “cancerversary” or organizing a celebration or recognition event, if they’re open to it.
9. Educate Yourself About Cancer Survivorship
Understanding the survivor experience can make you a more thoughtful and informed support system.
- Read about common post-treatment issues like fatigue, lymphedema, neuropathy or “chemo brain.”
- Learn about the emotional toll of survivorship, such as the fear of recurrence, loss of identity and social changes.
On the 38th annual National Cancer Survivors Day (June 1, 2025) and all month long, we honor the resilience, courage and strength of those who have faced cancer. As a loved one or friend of a cancer survivor, there’s a lot you can do to help someone live fully and meaningfully after cancer.
If you or someone you love is navigating life after cancer, Stony Brook Medicine is here to help. Our compassionate team of physicians, nurses, social workers and survivorship care experts is committed to supporting survivors every step of the way, physically, emotionally and beyond. Learn more or find a provider here.
