Its not easy to know what to do when you have found out that a man you know has cancer and often the advice given and gifts suggested are more suitable to women’s cancer than men’s. A man with cancer does need special consideration.  It can be especially hard to understand what they are going through, what their worries are and what they need both emotionally and practically.

The most important thing you can give anyone with cancer is always your time and a listening ear.  But sometimes that is not possible, or you want to do more.  Helping a friend with cancer is never easy.  However there are only three main thinks you need to consider

1. Think about any regular chores they may still have to do that may now be difficult to do and help out with those.
2. Think about the things your friend enjoys to make their life more “normal” for them and offer to help make these activities easier.
3. Think about how their life is now (lot of medical appointments, new diets, tired more often etc) and offer to help organize their new life.

Just remember sometimes people find it hard to ask for help and men can be the worse culprits. You may need to tell them kindly you do not expect them to return the favor and let them know you are helping because you care.  And if you do commit to helping, it is very important that you follow through on your promise.

Lastly we would advise that before visiting, giving advice or asking questions, please do ask if it is welcome.  You must make sure you make it clear to them, in a kind way that saying no to help or a visit is perfectly fine.  Making flexible plans that are easy to change is very important as your friend may need to cancel or reschedule at the last minute.  Your friend may need something to look forward to and cancer treatments can be long and drawn out, so don’t avoids asking them to go out, but do be flexible when you do.

Image reproduced by permission of https://cancercareparcel.co.uk/

Resources

Five Must Have Cancer Gifts For Men

Talking About Cancer: Cancer Blogs