Top 10 practical ways to support someone going through breast cancer during the festive season

According to Associate Professor Sanjay Warrier, the festive season is a time of joy and connection, but for someone battling breast cancer, it can also be physically and emotionally overwhelming. 

“As a family member or friend, you play an important role in providing support.  Many people struggle to understand how they can help at this time of year but there are some very practical things that you can do to help someone navigating breast cancer during the festive period,” Associate Warrier said. 

Associate Professor Warrier is one of the world’s leading breast health and breast cancer surgeons who has built a highly respected practice in Sydney.  The practice spans three locations with its main surgical centre located at the Chris O’Brien Lifehouse in Camperdown, and the other sites at BMA House, Macquarie Street, Sydney and Bondi Junction Medical, Oxford Street, Bondi Junction.

In addition to Associate Professor Warrier’s breast health and surgical work, he also dedicates considerable time to research exploring and developing advancements in breast cancer detection and treatments to improve outcomes for patients.  He also developed the world’s first Master of Breast Surgery which is delivered through the University of Sydney.   

Associate Professor Warrier has outlined 10 practical tips to support someone going through breast cancer

Be present and listen

Many people feel like their world has been turned upside down when they are diagnosed with breast cancer.   Not only is the diagnosis a shock, the journey can also be difficult and challenging. Simply being there to listen can make a world of difference. Ask how they’re feeling and let them share their emotions without judgment. Sometimes, all they need is a compassionate ear.

They can often feel like they have lost control and things are hurtling in all directions around them.  Listening allows them to express how they are feeling and this forms part of the processing element.

Assist with festive preparations

Offer to assist with tasks that might be too physically or emotionally draining, like decorating their home, writing cards or shopping for gifts or groceries. Simple acts of support can mean so much when you are going through illness.  Naturally this needs to be done in a thoughtful and respectful way.

Respect their energy levels

Cancer treatments can cause fatigue, so avoid pushing them to attend every festive event. Let them set the pace and offer alternatives like shorter visits or video calls if they’re not up to in-person gatherings. Avoid putting them in a position where they may be exposed to other health risks such as viruses including colds and flu.  Cancer treatments can impact the immune system so these considerations are important for someone going through breast cancer.

Prepare or deliver nutritious meals

Supporting the immune system is important when you are going through breast cancer.  Eating balanced, easy-to-digest meals is essential for overall wellbeing.  Drop off home-cooked dishes or a meal delivery service, keeping in mind any dietary restrictions they may have due to treatment.

Provide transportation

Often basic things such as driving to medical appointments can become overwhelming especially when they have to travel a fair distance or deal with heavy traffic and carparks that involve parking some distance away from medical facilities. Offer to drive them to medical appointments or festive events. Eliminating the stress of transportation can be a huge relief.

Create a comfort kit

“Comfort kits are a great way to let them know you are thinking of them. Put together a thoughtful gift of items that promote relaxation and comfort, such as scent-free skincare products for sensitive skin, inspirational books or journals, herbal teas or a reusable water bottle,” Associate Professor Warrier said. 

Move with them

Despite many people believing that rest is the best thing for breast cancer, we now know thanks to extensive research that it is important to move while going through breast cancer. Movement, as long as it is appropriate for the person and their circumstances, helps to support the body to recover during and after cancer treatment and it is also a great way to keep spirits up through the process. It helps with blood flow and also releases endorphins.Offer to walk with them every week or join them in a yoga class. This type of support can deliver significant benefits for them.

Include them in festivities in a flexible way

Going through a health issue can be challenging and there will be good days and not so good days.  It is important to be mindful of this. Extend invitations to festive activities but make it clear there’s no pressure to participate. If they can’t join, consider bringing the celebration to them in a quiet and manageable way.

Offer childcare or pet care support

If they have children or pets, offer to babysit or walk the dog. This can free up their time and energy to focus on themselves.

Provide practical help

Cancer treatment can strain finances and impact the ability to do simple day to day things.  Consider offering gift cards for services they might need, such as house cleaning or meal delivery. Drop off hampers of food and goodies.  Offer to assist with housework and gardening.  This can provide immeasurable help and support.

While the festive season is traditionally a time for gift-giving, what they may value most is your presence and understanding. Tailor your gestures to what they truly need and let them know they’re loved and not alone. Supporting someone with breast cancer at this time of year is as much about emotional presence as it is about practical help. Keep communication open and remind them that their needs come first even during this festive time.

Further information about undertaking breast screening and detecting breast cancer can be found at www.drsanjaywarrier.com.au.

About Associate Professor Sanjay Warrier

Associate Professor Sanjay Warrier is a past President and current committee member of Breast Surgeons of Australia and New Zealand (BreastSurgANZ).   His views are those of his own, not BreastSurgANZ. Associate Professor Warrier’s surgery is located at the Chris O’Brien Lifehouse and he also has clinics at Oxford Street, Bondi Junction and Macquarie Street, Sydney. He is published in numerous peer-reviewed journals and won the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital’s Patron’s Prize for best scientific research.