Finding out that a friend has cancer can be difficult, and it may be hard to know what to say or do. However, it is important to remember that there are ways to support your friend during this time. Here are some tips on what to say to a friend with cancer:

• Express your support: Let your friend know that you care and that you are there for them. You can say things like "Im here for you" or "I care for you and Im here to support you".

• Ask permission: Before visiting, giving advice, and asking questions, ask if it is welcome. Be sure to make it clear that saying no is perfectly okay.

• Make plans: Do not be afraid to make plans for the future. This gives your friend something to look forward to, especially important because cancer treatment can be long and tiring.

• Treat them the same: Try not to let your friends cancer get in the way of your friendship. As much as possible, treat them the same as you always have. Talk about topics other than cancer. Ask about their interests, hobbies, and other topics not related to cancer.

• Listen: When talking with someone who has cancer, the most important thing is to listen. Try to hear and understand how they feel. Don’t make light of, judge, or try to change the way the person feels or acts. Let them know that you’re open to talking whenever they feel like it.

Here are some things to avoid saying to a friend with cancer:

• False optimism: While it’s good to be encouraging, it’s also important not to show false optimism or tell the person with cancer to stay positive. Doing these things might seem to discount their very real fears, concerns, or sad feelings.

• Comparing experiences: Avoid saying things like "I know exactly how you feel." Even if youve experienced a serious illness yourself, you dont know exactly how your friend is feeling, so dont pretend you do. This can make the person feel that their situation is not that big of a deal.

• Unhelpful phrases: Avoid using general phrases that may be unhelpful or insensitive, such as "Everything happens for a reason" or "At least its not worse".

Remember that everyone reacts differently to the experience of cancer, so it is important to be sensitive to your friends needs and feelings.