When Your Colleague Has Cancer

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Unfortunately, odds are that you know someone in your personal and professional lives who is battling the disease or some other form of cancer. Knowing what to do and what to say can be challenging, especially in the workplace. However, most of us spend more time in a given week with our colleagues than we do with our family members. Given that, one’s work environment is an important factor in one’s recovery from any illness, as well as overall well-being.

You can help your colleague too. Based on sound advice from medical and other professionals, WellnessAMPED has developed a list of the Top Three things you can do to continue a culture of support if a colleague has cancer:

Say Something Nice

Often we don’t know what to say, so we don’t say anything. However, don’t underestimate the power of words of encouragement and support. Simply letting your colleague know that you are happy to see them or giving them a nice card is a thoughtful gesture that can go a long way to help them reacclimate themselves to the office.

Offer Real Support

We’ve all heard the words, “let me know if there’s anything I can do.” You can say those words, and really meant them by following up with an action. Make a voluntary move of support. Perhaps you clear off a desk space, volunteer to take over some routine office task like cleaning out the office refrigerator, or go for a walk with them to help brighten up the day. Little things mean a lot.

Reduce Work Strain

There may be one particular looming deadline or client your colleague is concerned about. Simply asking if there is a report you can type for them or call you can help them make can lift a huge worry or concern. Find out what’s stressing your colleague the most about work and help them find a solution. Remember, you don’t have to do it alone, either. You can work with your colleagues as a team and all pitch-in to help.

Perhaps our most important counsel is: don’t be afraid. Don’t be so afraid of doing or saying the wrong thing that you don’t do or say anything. And don’t worry that you’re not perfect. No one is. Think about the kinds of supports and encouragements you might want and provide them. Keep in mind that your colleague is still the same person, who is going through a challenging time. He or she can use all the support they can get.

My mother was a great role model for me, working for years as a trailblazer in the fight against cancer. She taught me that we all can do something to help others. For more on cancer support resources, visit: www.cancer.org.

Yours in health,

Shelley Rawlings
CEO & Wellness Enthusiast
WellnessAMPED