10 Things Not to Say to Someone With Lung Cancer

It can be hard to know what to say to someone living with cancer.  Unfortunately, even statements that aren't intended to be hurtful, can be painful at times.  Check out these comments shared with me by people with lung cancer, along with some alternatives that may be better.  Don't worry too much.  After all, I was repeatedly told that the worst thing a friend could say was "nothing at all."  Cancer can be an isolating disease, especially as time goes on, and taking the time to talk to someone with cancer is better than silence.  

Best wishes until next week, Dr. Lynne

Someone forward you this email? No Sweat! Sign up here to get your own If you're having trouble viewing this email, click here Follow Us 10 Things Not to Say to Someone With Lung Cancer It can be hard to know what to say to someone living with cancer.  Unfortunately, even statements that aren't intended to be hurtful, can be painful at times.  Check out these comments shared with me by people with lung cancer, along with some alternatives that may be better.  Don't worry too much.  After all, I was repeatedly told that the worst thing a friend could say was "nothing at all."  Cancer can be an isolating disease, especially as time goes on, and taking the time to talk to someone with cancer is better than silence.   Best wishes until next week, Dr. Lynne Lynne Eldridge MD Lung Cancer Expert 10 Things Not to Say to Someone With Lung Cancer  I was standing in the lobby of a cancer-related conference in New York City some time ago, with a young friend who has lung cancer.  A fellow physician I know (a breast cancer survivor like me) came up to us to chat.  Upon learning of my friend's lung cancer, this fellow doc immediately asked, "How long did you smoke?"  I enjoyed my friend's response ("I would have had to have started smoking in the womb,") but it was a sad reminder of how differently people can be treated with different forms of cancer.  For those of you living with lung cancer, understanding some of the thoughts behind those painful words can be helpful, and for those who care for people with lung cancer--read on!  Read more   READ NOW Pulmonary Rehabilitation or Lung Cancer  We don't hear about rehabilitation for people with lung cancer as we would for, say, people with strokes or a hip replacement, but that doesn't mean it's ineffective.  For people with all stages of lung cancer, and all treatments, pulmonary rehab may improve exercise capacity, lessen shortness of breath, and improve overall quality of life.  Read more READ NOW Featured Articles • 5-Minute Exercise Routines to Lose Weight • 10 Ways to Destroy Junk Food Cravings • Our top tips to making mealtime amazing • 12 Moves For Tight and Toned Arms • Menopause: Fight Back with Food • What Is Rumination and How Does It Affect Your Stress Levels? • Do Antioxidants Prevent Cataracts? • Could Your Daughter Be Autistic? Check for These 11 Signs of Autism in Girls Advertisement About Lung Cancer  |  Follow Us You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the Lung Cancer newsletter. If you wish to unsubscribe, please click here 1500 Broadway, 6th Floor, New York, NY, 10036 © 2015 About.com - All rights reserved. Privacy Policy.