When a person has cancer, we suffered a strong emotional impact. Our social and occupational functioning may be deeply affected and this discomfort may spread to their families and friends. In general, we usually go through a period of uncertainty and fear, not knowing how to act. The initial diagnosis of an oncological disease is a shock. We can hardly believe it's true, feeling unable to make decisions from that time, not knowing quite what to do or how to act. One emerge a wide range of emotional reactions such as fear, anger, anxiety or despair at the prospect of a long illness, life-threatening and rupture of vital goals. However, it is possible to live with personal, family and welfare during and after cancer, but it takes time to get used and that adaptation occurs to this new situation.

Cancer is a scary disease and that creates difficulties not only one who has it but also those who are around us and have not faced it. But do not be ashamed of the fears, questions or discomforts to experience. When one has been diagnosed with cancer, experience difficulty interacting with yourself or you do not know what to say. It is important to know they can do much to help. Many studies show that patients with cancer who receive support from their environment are less difficulties in relation to coping with their illness.

Therefore, from my own experience and I offer you a series of recommendations on how to act when one of their loved ones suffering from this disease. Above all, it is very important to try to put in place and understand the situation you are experiencing.

One of the most important issues you can do is recognize the situation the way that is most comfortable, instead of trying to avoid it. That is, if your reaction is the concern or interest, display and offer their support. Let them know your concerns. Remember that the simplest expression of interest is the most significant. It is important that you show that you are there and can count on you. Listen to the person and be empathetic is sometimes the best way to help. Listening is a fundamental process for effective communication, it means directing our attention to the other. Ask the person how you can help, sometimes breaks the discomfort. If your loved one begins to talk about his illness, do not change the subject, you need to express, listen. Respect needs to speak or be silent person. And do not forget that the person who has cancer knows itself and how your body works, you know that things are not happening as before.

Be honest and sincere. Give encouragement is important, but so is not to generate false optimism or continuously tell the person must always be positive and we know how you feel. We must be honest and sincere, you can not say positive things if they are not real. Not all live to be optimistic every day, nor do we know how the other is feeling, as individual experiences are unique to each person. Therefore, do not try to paint a world of rosy but not invalidated if the person itself can continue doing things. Be sincere with him, ask him and tell who will be on hand for all your needs. If you open your heart, he probably will too.

The use of humor is healthy as long as, is the person affected who has taken the initiative and are sure that the comment that we do can appreciate or respond. Many people use this resource as a way to cope with situations and often have positive results. Humor can be beneficial if used as an escape or to give another perspective to our situation. In fact it is a resource widely used by some people to cope with their difficulties. But do not forget that you do not set the pace, but the person with the disease.

Suggest some activity. When the person has a good appearance is important that we do know, like when their appearance is not good you should avoid comments. Include it in leisure activities and social events, always leaving the choice to the person to tell whether you are ready or not for activity. The implementation of activities, especially those you like best or appeal to you, let him divert his attention from negative thoughts and concerns, as well as enjoying what you are doing and have a good time.

Very important respects your privacy. It is extremely important to respect the privacy of the sick person. Maybe I can be offended because someone close has not told the news of a cancer diagnosis. Understand that many people need time to adapt to the situation and prepare to talk with others about what happens to you, why not take it personally, it being appropriate to focus on how to help the person.

Finally, we must first be honest about how we feel and discover that it is easier to communicate with the person than we think. Do not forget that people with cancer have good and bad days emotionally and physically. Therefore we must keep our relationship with them as normally as possible. At present more patience, understanding, support and compassion is needed.

This time I want to thank my colleague the way for their support, their unconditional love and patience, whose fruit has left this set of recommendations.