
Idea #1 - "I don't know what to say, but I'm here for you."
It’s 100% okay to not know what to say to someone with a new breast cancer diagnosis. In fact, sometimes, it’s better not to say anything at all and let your loved one do the talking. The simple line “I don’t know what to say, but I’m here for you” is a great way to let your friend or family member know that you’re at a loss for words. Most important, this line can prevent you from saying something you can’t promise, like the phrase “Everything will be okay” that many people say out of habit. The most important part of this sentence is the ending…“I’m here for you.” It’s a great reminder to your friend or family member that, while you might not know what to say in the moment, you'll always be there to provide support.Idea #2 - “I’m here to listen.”

Idea #3 - “Can I help you with X?”
When someone is diagnosed with breast cancer, it’s easy for her to become overwhelmed. It’s likely that she will be left wondering how she will keep up with daily life while also fighting the battle of her life. This is why our third recommendation is to simply ask your friend or family member, “Can I help you with X?” Instead of talking about the diagnosis, simply ask how you can help. Doing this will remind the person you care about that she has people in her life that are going to help her keep moving forward. We recommend that, when you ask how you can help, you are specific in your request. For instance, you might ask, “Can I drive you to your doctor’s appointments?” or “Can I walk your dog twice a week?” People are more likely to accept help when you are specific about what you’re offering to do.Idea #4 - “What else is new?”

Idea #5 - “Where or how can I learn more about what you’re going through?”
We all know that getting diagnosed with breast cancer is a difficult, life-changing experience. However, unless you’ve been diagnosed yourself, you’ll never be able to put yourself in the shoes of the person you care about. That being said, it is possible to educate yourselfto get a better understanding of what your loved one is going through. That’s why we recommend that you ask your friend or family member, “Where or how can I learn more about what you’re going through?” Having this knowledge up front will equip you with the tools you need to ask the right questions and provide the best support for the one you love. This knowledge will also help you become more empathetic toward your loved one who is on this challenging journey.Do you have any recommendations for what to say to someone with a new breast cancer diagnosis? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!