My best friend has just been diagnosed with breast cancer

Hi, my best friend is 35 and just found out she has breast cancer. She will find out what will happen and when this week, but has already been told it’s likely a full mastectomy and chemo!

I want to be able to help and support her. She says she doesn’t want any sadness just to make her laugh. I am struggling with what to say and do. Really hard to not talk about it with her, but also don’t want to seem inappropriate and ask too much. any advice would be very much appreciated.

thank you

  • Hello Goshawk

    I'm sorry to hear about your friend's diagnosis. Undoubtedly this is a difficult time and it's good to hear that she has your support as a friend as she starts her treatment. 

    Many people who are going through treatment for cancer crave some sense of normality so it's understandable that your friend has asked for no sadness but plenty of laughter. It sounds as if she just wants you to keep being the friend that you would normally be to her. 

    It's natural however that you will still want to check in with her to ask how she is. You might find it helpful to have a look through this information on our website about how to support someone with cancer

    Try not to overthink things Goshawk. Your friend will value any support and love you can offer and I'm sure she knows that she can talk with you if she feels she needs to. 

    I hope that her surgery and treatment progresses smoothly. Do keep in touch and let us know if we can offer any support and advice to either of you. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator