What to say (and what not to say) when a loved one has breast cancer
Dr. Sylvia Reyes says specific help and calm listening can ease isolation, while myths and unsolicited advice can add stress.
- Sylvia Reyes, a breast surgeon at the Northwell Cancer Institute, shares guidance on supporting loved ones with a breast cancer diagnosis, emphasizing that thoughtful communication and tangible actions combat isolation.
- A new diagnosis is emotionally overwhelming, and hearing oversimplified theories about causes can add pain and stigma to patients already struggling with autonomy as suggestions pile up.
- Asking, "Would you like to talk about it?" opens a door for patients to share feelings without pressure, while specific offers like driving to appointments or taking medical notes lift a weight from their shoulders.
- Many women are caregivers prioritizing others' needs, so validating their proactive health choices like mammography screenings reinforces well-being; being a comfortable, non-judgmental presence combats the isolation a diagnosis brings.
- Because breast cancer is deeply personal, each case requires treatment tailored to the individual's tumor, and modern medicine has evolved so much that older stories are frequently irrelevant and can cause unnecessary anxiety.
63 Articles
63 Articles
What to say (and what not to say) when a loved one has breast cancer - The Mexico Ledger
It's a sobering statistic that one in eight women in the United States will face a breast cancer diagnosis at some point in their lifetime. This means that, sooner or later, someone you care about deeply may share this news. Knowing how to respond in that moment–what to say and what not to say–can make a difference.Northwell Health’s Dr. Sylvia Reyes suggests ways to offer support.What Not to Say“Your diagnosis must have been prompted by … ”Hear…
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What to say (and what not to say) when a loved one has breast cancer
Northwell Health reports on how to support a loved one diagnosed with breast cancer, highlighting what to say and what to avoid to provide meaningful comfort.
What to say (and what not to say) when a loved one has breast cancer - Hillsboro Sentry Enterprise
It's a sobering statistic that one in eight women in the United States will face a breast cancer diagnosis at some point in their lifetime. This means that, sooner or later, someone you care about deeply may share this news. Knowing how to respond in that moment–what to say and what not to say–can make a difference.Northwell Health’s Dr. Sylvia Reyes suggests ways to offer support.What Not to Say“Your diagnosis must have been prompted by … ”Hear…
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