Cancer patients and their families have their worlds turned upside down when they receive the diagnosis, and it is often a struggle for them to focus on the positives.
It is your duty as a friend or family member of a cancer patient to share encouraging words for cancer patients to help uplift them and show that you care.
These encouraging words would be welcoming at any time during the cancer journey of the person, whether newly diagnosed or going through a relapse.
Finding the right encouraging words for cancer patients is crucial because it is often a touchy topic for many people.
If you have trouble finding these encouraging words for cancer patients, whether it’s because you are at a loss for words or you’re worried that you may say the wrong thing, here is an article describing 25 of the most well-thought-out encouraging words for cancer patients:
Nine encouraging words for cancer patients who just received the cancer diagnosis
Can you imagine what was going through your friend’s/relative’s head when the doctor diagnosed him/her with cancer?
It is definitely a heavy burden to bear.
Here are some encouraging words for cancer patients who have just been diagnosed with cancer:
01“I just heard the news from your wife, and I just wanted to let you know that I am here for you.
You are one of my closest friends, and I pledge to stand by your side. I will be there through all of the ups and downs that come with treatment. I will help you in every way possible to fight this disease.
You will beat this, and you will rise like a phoenix from the ashes, stronger than ever before!”
This is a good motivational speech to use at the moment when your friend has been diagnosed with cancer.
This pep talk can help to ease the worry and “what ifs” that come with having cancer. It can help the person to have positive thoughts and remind him/her that he/she can beat it.
Photo by National Cancer Institute on unsplash
02“This is without doubt a challenging time for you and your family, so I’ve contacted you to let you know that you are in my prayers.
Whatever you need, I am only a phone call away. In time, this will be a success story that we can tell our kids. We’ll be able to tell them that you kicked cancer’s ass!”
This is a good thing to say when you are close with the person. It allows you to extend your encouraging words to the family as well. The positive remarks at the end are just a way to say that you are certain he/she will pull through.
03“I’m sending good vibes and healing energy your way! I know this is a very difficult time, so just know that you are never alone.
All of your friends and family are rooting for you to make a speedy recovery.”
This message lets him/her know that he/she is not alone, and there are people there to support him/her when necessary.
Photo by Gerd Altmann under pexels license
04“You’re probably wondering to yourself why this is happening to you. The truth is that God will never give you more than you can handle. He knows you are a warrior, and so do I!
I will support you during every leg of the journey until you rediscover your strength!”
This message is perfect for a friend/family member who is religious because it encourages that person to find comfort in God and faith. It lets him/her know that you are there for support.
05“No matter what life has thrown at you, you’ve always found a way to overcome and come out on top. Why should this time be any different?
You have the best doctor around, friends, and family who love and support you. You also have the grace of God on your side!
You are more than equipped for this journey!”
This is good to say when you realize that your friend/relative has lost hope early. This will remind him/her about his/her strength and the support available to him/her, while expressing your intentions to help whenever necessary.
06“I will not sugar-coat it. From my own experience with cancer, this is the hardest battle that you will have to fight, and it’s the longest road that you will ever tread.
What I see in you is a fighting spirit that I have not encountered in anyone else. I know you will not throw in the towel, and I know for certain that you will keep fighting until you are back to your normal self.
look forward to greeting you at the finishing line.”
This is good to use when you have had your personal battle with cancer. You can serve as an example of what perseverance can do in order to give him/her hope.
Photo by Andrea Piacquadio under pexels license
07“What I love about you is your will to stand up to any challenge that has been put before you. I am not worried because I know that you will give this battle your all, and you’ll emerge victorious.
I will cheer you on every step of the way!”
Sometimes, all a person needs would be someone in the corner to cheer and support him/her. You can remind the person about his/her abilities to overcome the illness. It also reminds him/her of his/her past achievements.
08“Now that you have received your diagnosis, it is time to strap on to this rollercoaster ride. There will be ups, and there will be downs. However, the person with cancer needs to trust and believe that there will be an end to the madness.
Once you recover, you’ll be even stronger than before!”
Cancer causes symptoms to flare up and get a bit out of control at times. However, they are temporary, which means they’ll come to an end, and he/she will regain his/her strength once more.
09“The only time I want to hear the word cancer is when we’re talking about horoscopes, but life is never that easy. Hang in there, bud!”
This is good to use when you are not very close to the cancer patient, but you still feel like saying a few words to let him/her know that you are rooting for him/her.
Photo by Josh Rangel on unsplash
Eight encouraging words for cancer patients who are undergoing Chemotherapy.
Chemotherapy is one of the most common forms of cancer treatment to date, but it can cause several unpleasant side effects that can dampen anyone’s mood.
Here are eight messages for cancer patients who are undergoing chemotherapy:
10“There’s no doubt in any of our minds that this is a tough time for you and your family, but I reached out to let you know how much I admire your bravery and courage.
I’ve never heard you complain or show fear. You are an inspiration to all of us!”
This is good to use when talking to someone with whom you are not very close, such as a coworker or a neighbor. It could be helpful to say to someone who you see daily.
This is a way to let him/her know that you acknowledge his/her condition, and you wish him/her the very best.
Photo by Anna Shvets under pexels license
11“If someone told me that you had cancer and were undergoing chemo treatments, I’d tell them to stop lying. You have never stopped glowing, and you aren’t showing any signs of illness or defeat!
I wish that I were as strong as you. You’re a true example of what it means to be a strong woman!”
Chemotherapy does something to one’s appearance, and it can suck the life out of a person. For that reason, this is a good message because it will make the cancer patient feel better about the way he/she looks.
12“I just heard from your husband that you are two treatments away from being done with chemotherapy! You did it, this is the home stretch!
How does it feel to almost be cancer-free, champ?”
This is a good pre-celebratory message for someone who has had a tough time with his/her cancer treatments. It reminds him/her that the journey is almost at an end.
13“You may not feel like you’re doing well, but to me, you are the most courageous person I know! You have tackled this disease without missing a beat, and you are well on your way to recovery!
I just want you to know that if you ever stumble, your friends and family love you and have your back. They will never allow you to fall!”
It is good to use this message to reinforce the person’s morale and remind him/her of the support available. This can make him/her feel more confident while going through the treatment process.
Photo by National Cancer Institute on unsplash
14“This journey has been a rocky one, and I know there have been times when you’ve wanted to give up, but now, you can look behind you. Can you see how far you’ve come?
Now, turn around, and keep looking forward. Your future is bright, my dear!”
You can use this when the person is feeling depressed, and he/she is dwelling on the present condition. It can remind him/her of the goal and the possibilities of getting better.
15“As someone who has won the battle with cancer, I can say without reservation that chemotherapy sucks!
I know that it feels like it’s going to last forever, but you can see me now. I’m here, happy and healthy. With each day that passes, you are one step closer to joining me in this place of peace and wellness!”
A message coming from someone who has actually been through cancer is helpful because it is a success story that the person can remember in moments of doubt.
16“Watching your improvement over the past several months has touched me deeply.
I am constantly rooting for you, and I simply cannot wait until you are at 100% healthy so that we can celebrate your recovery!”
These are good encouraging words for cancer patients who have struggled and need to be reminded of their strength. It’s also great for a friend who loves to party!
Photo by National Cancer Institute on unsplash
17“I know the treatments must be frustrating and stressful, but where there is a will, there is a way. This is your way out of this state, and this is your way back to health.
Keep your head up, and you will get to the light at the end of the tunnel before you know it!”
This is another good message to use when you aren’t very close to the person, but you wish to share some encouraging words.
Eight encouraging words for cancer patients who have experienced a cancer relapse
Hearing from the doctor that the cancer has relapsed must be the most heartbreaking thing to hear in the world.
Now, more than ever, your friends and family members will need your support to keep them focused on their goals. Here are eight encouraging words for cancer patients who have experienced a cancer relapse:
18“It must be exhausting to have to go through this process again, but I am here to support you in every way possible.
Please, you don’t need to hesitate to reach out to me, even though I will be checking on you regularly. ”
This message can help your friend/relative keep his/her head up in the face of what appears to be defeat, and you can let him/her know that he/she is not alone.
Photo by National Cancer Institute on unsplash
19“I know this must be very frustrating and disappointing for you, especially because I witnessed how much you went through. I feel deeply sorry for you.
If you ever need someone to talk to, you always have my ear.”
Sometimes, the best and only thing you can do for someone is to listen and be there for him/her when she/he needs to vent about tough emotions. It is good to say this because it can open the door for conversation as well.
20“Unfortunately, these things happen. When they do, we have to reassess the situation and keep pushing. We will never give up, as long as you have breath and strength.”
This is good to say when the person is seemingly at wits end, and he/she needs a pep talk.
21“Hearing something like this, after all of the treatments you went through, is hard to deal with, and I imagine that it is very scary for you.
Fret not, I’m praying for your health and strength every single day because I know things will get better.”
It is good to use this message when you aren’t very close with the person. You are showing that there are many people in support of him/her, and you are keeping him/her in your thoughts.
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22“Thank you for allowing me to be by your side on this journey. This set back will not deter me from being there for you, my friend. I’m with you all of the way!”
This is a nice quick message to send to a friend/relative. It can be sent randomly during the day to put a smile on his/her face or at a time when you want to make him/her feel less alone.
23“This is scary, but the thought of you giving up is even scarier to me. If there is anything that I can do to help, I will not hesitate to do it for you.
You are the closest friend that I have ever had, and I intend to keep it that way.”
You can use this when your friend is feeling very gloomy, and he/she has seemingly given up hope.
It is good because you are declaring your dedication to the friendship, and you are working on getting him/her back on track to recovery.
24“I would not wish something like this upon my worst enemy. Unfortunately, it has happened to my friend.
Your strength through all this should not waiver because you have the reputation of being a shining beacon in perilous times.
You are an example to me and all of your friends, and we will never let you quit.”
This is a supportive message to a friend that lets him/her know that you will stand by her/his side to keep him/her motivated to persevere.
Photo by National Cancer Institute on unsplash
25“This news hit me like a train, but I’m not going to pretend that it is any more painful for me than it is for you. I will never pretend to understand your pain because I will never truly know what it feels like to have cancer.
If you ever want to talk about it, I am here to listen. If you don’t, I’m here to keep you company.”
This is good to use to show how hurt you are, but not to overshadow his/her pain. You are simply empathizing and letting him/her know how much he/she means to you.
Conclusion
Now that you’ve got all of these encouraging words for cancer patients at your disposal, you can focus your efforts on actually being there for the person who is fighting this illness.
You can send a card, a fruit basket, or some flowers to brighten your friend’s/relative’s day. Things can get better for cancer patients!
