September is all about spreading Cancer Awareness!

Getting diagnosed with Cancer yourself, or friends and family is never easy. However; it is always important to know how to best support yourself and others when going through this ordeal. Raising awareness is essential for early detection and treatment. There are many types of cancer, and they can be divided into two main categories:
– Blood related Cancers; such as Leukemia.
– Solid Cancerous Tumors affecting body organs and tissues; such as Breast Cancer or Lung Cancer.

The main difference between these different kinds of cancers is how they spread, and how they may respond to different treatments; some require surgery while others are treated with drugs and Chemotherapy. Here are six tips to emotionally support a Cancer patient:

1- Treat them the same way as you did before.
2- Always make flexible plans, help them feel free to cancel or reschedule if needed.
3- Be humorous and fun; exchanging funny light conversation can brighten their day.
4- Check-in regularly to make them feel cared for and supported.
5- Allow them to share their feelings and concerns with you, no matter how uncomfortable the topic may be for you.
6- Last but not least, pray for them and make dua’.

“O Allah, the Lord of the people! Remove the trouble and heal the patient, for You are the Healer. No healing is of any avail but Yours; healing that will leave behind no ailment.”