A recent poll by cancer charity Maggie’s, found that nearly half of people worry about speaking to family and friends with cancer.

Maggie’s cancer charity is well known for its compassionate support for people living with cancer and those close to them. When it comes to speaking with friends and family who are experiencing cancer, Maggie’s offers helpful advice to help you communicate sensitively and supportively.

Inside Maggie's Yorkshire Centre

The key advice for having these conversations includes:
Be present and listen: Sometimes, the most supportive thing you can do is to simply be there. You don’t need all the answers or solutions - just offering a listening ear can mean a great deal.

Be honest and open - it’s okay to admit you don’t know what to say. Being honest about your feelings fosters trust and connection. Phrases like, “I’m not sure what to say, but I’m here for you,” are genuine and comforting.

Avoid platitudes and try not to use clichés such as “everything happens for a reason” or “stay positive.” While well-intentioned, these can sometimes feel dismissive or invalidate the person’s feelings.

Respect their wishes and let your friend or family member take the lead. Some may want to talk about their diagnosis or treatment, while others may prefer normal conversation or even silence. Follow their cues.

Offer practical help. Instead of saying “Let me know if you need anything,” offer specific help, such as preparing a meal, running errands, or accompanying them to appointments. Concrete offers are often more helpful than general ones.

Keep in touch. Regular check-ins, whether by message, phone call, or visit, let your loved one know you’re thinking of them. Even if they’re not always able to respond, your continued support matters.

Be mindful of your reactions and try to manage your emotions during conversations. Being overly upset or anxious can make the person with cancer feel they need to comfort you, which may be an added burden.

There are some common concerns. One is the fear of saying the wrong thing and while this is natural, silence or withdrawal can be more hurtful. Simple, heartfelt communication is usually appreciated. It may also be difficult to discuss hard topics, if your loved one wants to talk about tough subjects like prognosis or fears, listen without judging or trying to change the subject. Let them share with what they are comfortable.

It's important to maintain normality where possible too., Cancer does not define your loved ones. Continue to engage in activities you enjoy together and talk about everyday topics if that’s what they prefer.

Talking to someone who’s going through cancer can feel difficult, and it’s natural to worry about getting it right. What matters most is being there, listening and letting conversations unfold gently.

At Maggie’s, they understand. Maggie’s centres are place where you can breathe, find connections and feel supported in your own time. They’re here to help you feel less alone and connect you with people who understand what a cancer diagnosis can bring.

There are 27 Maggie’s centres across the UK, including Yorkshire, Manchester, Newcastle, Oldham and the Wirral. Each one offers free practical, emotional and psychological support and welcomes everyone, whatever type of cancer they have and whatever stage they’re at.

Maggie’s Yorkshire, in the grounds of St James’s Hospital in Leeds, is a warm, welcoming space where people with cancer and their families and friends can meet others who are experiencing the same thing as them, find support groups specific to their needs and get advice and information from expert staff.

The centres are open Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm, you don’t need an appointment or referral, and their support is always free today, tomorrow and always.

Click here for more information.