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Supporting someone with cancer begins with active listening says Cancer Council’s former head of cancer information and support services, Meg Chiswell.
“Learning how to listen involves concentrating on both verbal and non-verbal cues, without judgement and interrupting,” she said. “Just as every cancer experience is different, everyone reacts differently to the experience.
“Family, friends and workplaces all have an important role to play and can provide a comforting presence and offer practical support. Some people fear saying the wrong thing and upsetting people affected by cancer. However, cancer can be isolating and showing your support and keeping in touch is always better than staying away.”
Our support services are 100% funded by people like you. Thanks to you, Cancer Council runs education programs for health professionals, hospitals and community volunteers.
Between 2015 and 2018 Cancer Council ran 244 programs on communication and cancer.
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If you or someone you know is affected by cancer and is in need of information and support, call our compassionate cancer nurses on 13 11 20.
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