Show You Care: How to Make a Real Difference for Cancer Patients

About | Complementary Therapies | Gift vouchers | Worst Gift For Cancer Patients (& Thoughtful Alternatives) | Volunteering | Get Financial Support | Conclusion

A cancer diagnosis can turn the world upside down. While well wishes are always appreciated, cancer patients often face very real challenges beyond the emotional toll. This article explores thoughtful gifts that can truly make a difference, from cosy comforts to financial support options for breast cancer patients. We'll also help you avoid the pitfalls of "worst gifts," ensuring your gesture brings comfort and eases their burden during this difficult time.

According to Cancer Research UK, a staggering statistic shows a new cancer diagnosis every 2 minutes in the UK, including serious conditions such as liver cancer.

Cancer can be a challenge for people living with the condition and their loved ones. Wanting to help but not knowing where to start is normal.

Every thoughtful gesture, big or small, makes a difference. By taking action, you can offer comfort, support, and a sense of hope to someone facing this challenging journey.

Here are some concrete steps you can take toward improving the lives of those living with cancer.

Can Complementary Therapies Support Cancer Patients?

Complementary therapies can be a useful tool in the battle with cancer.

Medical treatments can take a toll on cancer patients, so many turn to complementary and alternative medicine for pain and stress relief.

However, it's important to understand that complementary therapies should not replace conventional cancer treatment. They can, however, be helpful in managing some of the side effects and improving overall well-being during a cancer journey.

Here are some of the most studied and promising complementary therapies for breast cancer patients:

• Yoga: Yoga combines physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation. It can promote relaxation, improve flexibility, and reduce fatigue.

• Massage Therapy: Studies suggest massage therapy can help reduce anxiety, pain, and fatigue commonly experienced by breast cancer patients.

• Acupuncture: This traditional Chinese medicine practice may relieve nausea, vomiting, and pain related to treatment.

• Meditation and Mindfulness: These practices can help manage stress and anxiety and improve sleep quality.

• Counselling and Therapy: Mental health support empowers cancer patients and families to navigate emotional challenges and find strength throughout their journey.

Show You Care With A Gift

Sometimes the best way of showing a breast cancer patient how much you care is by getting them a thoughtful gift.

In fact, having someone who actively tries to make their lives brighter can help cancer patients better cope with challenges.

• Offer them a pamper session. Buy a gift voucher for a spa day or a massage service won’t go amiss.

• Buy them some lovely new pyjamas. Having comfortable clothing can make frequent hospital visits easier to bear.

• Pay for a cleaning service. When dealing with breast cancer, taking care of household chores is the last thing a patient needs, so why not get a housecleaning gift voucher?

When you know someone who's living with cancer, a simple gesture can let them know you’re there for them.

Worst Gifts for Cancer Patients (and Thoughtful Alternatives):

While intentions are everything, some gifts might not be ideal for someone undergoing cancer treatment.

Here are a few of the worst gifts for cancer patients to avoid, along with some thoughtful alternatives:

• Food and Drinks: Due to treatment side effects, patients may have dietary restrictions or experience taste changes. Consider a gift certificate to a grocery store instead, allowing them to choose what they can tolerate.

• Perfume or Scented Products: Treatment can make patients more sensitive to smells. Opt for unscented lotions or body washes instead.

• Flowers: While beautiful, flowers can carry mould spores that could be harmful to someone with a compromised immune system. Offer a potted plant or send a virtual bouquet instead.

• Alcohol and Sugary Treats: Focus on gifts promoting wellness. Consider a gift basket with healthy snacks, antioxidant-rich teas, or a cosy blanket for comfort.

• Clothing Related to Cancer: Avoid shirts or hats with slogans about fighting cancer. They might seem insensitive. Opt for a cosy scarf or comfortable pyjamas for lounging at home.

• Books or Articles About Cancer: Unless specifically requested, avoid overwhelming them with additional information. Offer a lighthearted novel or a subscription to a streaming service for distraction.

Remember: The key is to choose gifts that prioritize their comfort and well-being and offer a sense of normalcy during this challenging time.

Donate Your Spare Time

If you have a few spare hours a week, you can help by getting involved with local charities.

Donating your time cannot only make you a valuable member of the community but also improve your self-esteem.

There are many organisations and roles you can take on, including working the tills in a charity shop, assisting in fundraising events, and providing direct support to people battling cancer.

How to Launch a Cancer Patient Financial Support Organization

Starting a nonprofit and get real financial support to help cancer patients is an ambitious but rewarding undertaking.

An advantage of having your own nonprofit is that it will enable you to apply for public grants and funding.

However, a couple of practical issues should be considered before going down this route.

• Be clear about how you’ll operate your organization. Setting up a charity takes a lot of work and research. You need to decide beforehand on a clear list of rules to include regarding conflicts of interest, who governs the organization, how board members are chosen, and the frequency of board meetings.

• Fundraising Strategy: Plan how you'll get financial support for cancer patients. Options include grants, fundraising events, corporate sponsorships, and individual donations.

• Be organized with your finances. Organizing your financial details is an important part of running a nonprofit. A good accounting program can facilitate tracking income and donations, and help you create custom reports. Finding a PDF editor online is also crucial for better recordkeeping. You can keep files more organized this way as a good tool allows for the consolidation of multiple files into one, adding or removing pages, and more.
  

You Can Make A Difference

Cancer. The word itself can evoke fear and anxiety. It's a challenging topic for most people, and understandably so. Luckily, even if you're not directly affected, you can be a part of the solution and make someone’s life just a little bit easier.

Try some of the steps mentioned above or learn more well-being tips on our Zen Habits Blog.