Health Tip: Talking to Loved Ones With Cancer
When a dear friend or family member has been diagnosed with cancer, you'll want to offer your love, support and sympathy.
Though it may be very difficult, the American Cancer Society says you should be supportive, honest and a good listener.
The Society offers these suggestions:
- Be honest. Concede that you don't quite know what to say, but let your loved one know how much you care and that he or she is in your thoughts.
- It's alright to express sympathy about the diagnosis.
- Ask how he or she is holding up and handling everything.
- Lend an ear, and offer to be a willing listener when your loved one needs to talk.
- Offer to help in any way that's needed.
- Respect the way the person has decided to treat his or her cancer, even if you don't agree.
- Avoid giving too much advice or judging every aspect of the situation.
Health Tip: Caring for Mouth Sores From Cancer Treatment
Chemotherapy or radiation treatment for cancer can lead to small, painful mouth sores.
The American Cancer Society offers these suggestions to help ease the pain and make it easier to eat:
- Since brushing teeth can be painful, switch to a softer brush. And soften it with hot water before you brush.
- Use a gentle toothpaste that doesn't contain hydrogen peroxide.
- Rinse your mouth before and after you eat with a solution of baking soda, salt and water. Don't use commercial mouthwashes, which may irritate the sores.
- Moisturize your lips with lotion or balm.
- Swab the sores with Maalox or Milk of Magnesia -- if your doctor recommends it.
- Drink beverages and liquid foods with a straw.
- Stick to foods that are soft, moist and cold.
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