When someone has breast cancer it's scary for them - and for you! What can you do to really help? What should you say? Is it better to just listen? There are as many ways of being a good co-survivor as there are people! The qualifications? A willingness to be yourself and be present.
NEW! Create an easy-to-use group calendar to help your loved ones in need.
How can I be a more effective co-survivor? - Tips and Ideas
Do you have an idea or suggestion to help someone become a more effective co-survivor? Email us your tip*, in 75 words or less; please put "Co-survivor Tip" in the subject line.
Read tips and ideas submitted by survivors and co-survivors
It doesn't take time-consuming and heroic gestures to be a good co-survivor. Sometimes being there and listening is all that matters. Survivors and co-survivors share their insights on what mattered most to them when breast cancer became a part of their lives:
Wendy, co-survivor
When breast cancer confined our friend Martha to her bed, we wanted to find a way to brighten her day. We found a nail salon willing to send a manicurist to do Martha's nails at home. Not only did it give her some much-needed pampering, but it allowed her to feel like a normal woman and not a "patient" for a little while.
Read other tips and ideas
*Susan G. Komen for the Cure reserves the right to edit or format submissions for any reason and to remove or decline to post any submissions.
What else do I need to know?
Breast cancer changes the lives of patients and those around them. Get help on how to talk about tough subjects, stay flexible, make adjustments, deal with change and stay open and honest with each other about feelings, needs and expectations.
Talking with Your Partner
Talking with Your Children
Getting the Support You Need
Sexuality and Intimacy
Life after Treatment
End-of-Life Care
Follow-up
Medical Vocabulary
Want to learn more about breast cancer? Read more Fact Sheets / Visit our section on Support
Don't even know what to ask? The Questions to Ask the Doctor About Breast Cancer series includes 14 topic cards on a variety of breast cancer issues and will help you talk with the doctors. You can download and print the cards and take them with you to the next appointment.
How else can I help?
Looking for more ways to lend a hand to those with breast cancer? There are lots of ways to help out, show you care and make others aware:
- Create an online calendar to organize meal deliveries, rides and other tasks to assist your loved one as he or she travels the breast cancer journey.
- Support research, education, screening and treatment programs worldwide by purchasing gifts and educational materials from our Promise Shop. Fifty to 80 percent of the purchase price of all products sold will benefit the Foundation.
- Join us in a Komen Race for the Cure®, the largest series of 5K runs/fitness walks in the world.
- Komen for the Cure is lucky to have so many corporate partners in the fight against breast cancer Learn how you can participate in raising money and awareness for breast cancer by participating in these events or buying these everyday products.
- Sign up for KomenLink, Komen's monthly e-Newsletter featuring timely information about breast health, breast cancer and the Foundation's programs and initiatives, as well as information on how you can get involved in the cause. And - it's free! View past issues
Need someone to talk to? Necesita hablar?
Feeling overwhelmed? Call the Komen Helpline and talk with a volunteer who has "been there." Helpline volunteers can help you find more information, talk you through your questions or just help you get through a rough spot. We can also send you free copies of any of our educational materials. Call the Helpline toll-free at 1.800 I'M AWARE® (1.800.462.9273), Monday through Friday, 9am to 5pm CST. Se habla Español.
