Cancer is one of the most challenging illnesses for anyone and their loved ones to handle. If you are supporting someone recently diagnosed, it can be hard to know what to say.
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Jump ahead to these sections:
- Encouraging Messages for a Cancer Patient
- Get Well Messages for a Cancer Patient
- Stay Strong Messages for a Cancer Patient
- Messages for Cancer Patients With Worsening Conditions
Anxiety about saying the wrong thing may encourage you to say nothing, which can feel disappointing. Cancer is an illness that not only creates complications for one person, but changes the lives of many over the course of the diagnosis, disease, and treatment. If someone you know is going through this, know that your support is valued.
Hesitating about what to say is natural—you want to provide words of comfort and condolences during a uniquely adversarial time. We’ve listed a few messages that you can use as prompts to write a caring message to a friend or family member with cancer.
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Encouraging Messages for a Cancer Patient
Sending words of encouragement can change someone’s whole day. Send a few of these to remind your loved one that you are thinking of them.
- I’m so impressed by your courage and endurance. This is a really tough time for you, but you’re getting through it each day. I know it can’t be as easy as you make it look. Everyone needs a little encouragement from time to time. I’d love to take you out to a comedy show or a movie sometimes. What day would work for you?
- Every day is one day closer to being done with chemotherapy! I’m counting down on my calendar right along with you. You’ve worked so hard to get through this tough time. I know it’s been super difficult for you and your family. I’m so proud of you. You have what it takes to beat cancer, and I’m so inspired that I get to know someone like you.
- Sending good vibes and positive thoughts your way. I’m so lucky that I get to know you. You’re one of the biggest role models in my life. I know this is a super difficult time, but you’re the strongest person I know. There’s no one else I would rather support while they go through this awful season in their life. I pray for you every morning when I wake up. So excited that you’re wrapping up chemotherapy!
- I was so thrilled when I learned that you’re almost done with chemotherapy. I know this is a scary time in your life, but I’d love to support you in any way possible during the rest of the treatment! You’re one of the strongest women, and I know you’ve got it covered. But I’d still be honored to help out if you’d let me. Would you be okay with me praying for you?
- I know this is a really exhausting time in your life. Even if it doesn’t feel like it, you’re doing so well. I can’t imagine how I’d handle this situation, but I know that I wouldn’t be able to pull it off with the grace and strength that you display!
You can do more than send encouraging messages, too. Read our guide on how to support a loved one with cancer from afar for some tips.
Get Well Messages for a Cancer Patient
Get well cards aren’t just for the flu and broken arms. Sometimes, a card can just say “I’m thinking of you.” That might be exactly what someone needs.
- I know it’s easy to wonder why this is happening to you. I don’t know why either. But I’m honored to be able to support you in this difficult, challenging journey toward wellness. No matter how long it takes, I’m here for you. I look forward to watching you get well, one step at a time.
- You’re one of the toughest people I know. No matter what life has thrown at you, you’ve always found a way to recover with humor and strength. I know you have what it takes to tackle cancer with that same attitude. I know it’s still scary and frustrating, though. I’m here for you, and I pray every day that you get well soon.
- So hopeful that you’ll get well soon. Chemotherapy feels like it lasts forever, but you’re getting closer to the finish line! Every single day, you’re getting closer to being healthy. If you’d like help with your kids during this time, so you can focus on getting better, I’m here for you. I’d love to watch them for a few days to give you a chance to rest. Would this weekend work for you? Call and let me know.
- I’m so proud that I get to know someone like you. Watching you battle your way toward health has been inspirational for me. You’re the strongest person I know, and I can’t wait for you to get well and feel like your old self again.
- I’m sure you can’t wait to feel 100 percent healthy. Even if it feels like it’s taking a long time, you’re getting there--one day at a time! I’m sure you’ll feel better soon, and I can’t wait to celebrate with you once you’re done with treatments! If there’s anything I can do to help your treatments go more smoothly, please let me know.
Read our guide on sympathy messages for more "get well soon" message ideas.
Stay Strong Messages for a Cancer Patient
Cancer patients may not feel strong, and may, in fact, feel the exact opposite. Even if that’s true, it’s important to let them know how strong they truly are. You can also send a gift of a cozy blanket or slippers to provide some comfort as they continue their fight.
- Every day, I pray that God gives you more strength than he did yesterday. I know you’ve been dealing with this for so long. The worry, treatments, and stress are exhausting, and it’s awful to deal with. I’m so sorry you’re struggling with this. Even if it doesn’t feel like it, you’ve always been one of the bravest people I know. You absolutely have what it takes to make it through and stay strong till tomorrow. I love you so much!
- Battling cancer is one of the hardest things you’ve ever done. You’ve always stood up to a challenge, and that’s what made you strong enough to beat cancer for this long. I know you wish it was all over, though, and it sounds like you are so tired of chemotherapy and treatments. I want to support you and encourage you to stay strong! I’m sending positive thoughts your way every day, and I know you have the strength to keep going until you’re 100 percent cancer-free.
- Finding the strength to smile each day can’t be easy. I don’t know how you do what you do each day! Even though I don’t understand it, I’m so lucky to have such a strong friend like you. I know it can get exhausting, though. I’d love to have the chance to support you. Can I help get you to and from the hospital? I’d love to do anything I can to help!
- Staying strong is tough. You’re in the home stretch, though! You’ve fought to get here for so long, and every step forward is one in the right direction. I’d love to try to make things easier for you. My house is closer to the hospital, and I’d love to take you back and forth. Would you like to stay at my house for a few weeks, just till you wrap up your treatments? I’d love to have you stay over with me.
- You’re a superhero in my eyes. You’re so strong and brave. Even though you’ve had a rollercoaster of emotions in your life for the past year, you still find the strength to smile. You inspire me to be a braver person each and every day!
Messages for Cancer Patients With Worsening Conditions
When things don’t look so positive for folks, it can be hard to find words to say with sympathy and tact. Here are some options for you to customize.
- I’m so lucky that I have the opportunity to walk with you through every step of this journey. No matter what happens, I’m so proud of your strength to carry you this far. I know it’s been challenging, and I love you very much. I’m happy that I have the chance to support you.
- I recently found a cancer therapy group that looks like something I’d be interested in attending. I wondered if you would want to attend with me. Whether you do or not, I’m proud of your strength to share your story to raise awareness for cancer. I know you’ve been feeling worse lately, and it takes a tremendous amount of energy and strength to do what you do. I love you so much, and I’m lucky to know you!
- I know this is really hard for you to deal with right now. You’ve put up with so many treatments, and I know you’ve been feeling poorly lately. I’m so sorry that you’re dealing with this, and how scary it must be for you. I’m praying for you to find peace and strength, especially in the days to come.
- Thanks so much for giving me the opportunity to support you during this rough time. I’m honored that I have the opportunity to witness your strength. Even though I wish you weren’t going through this scary season, thanks so much for the example that you set each and every day.
- Coping with this must be so scary. I’m sorry that you’re dealing with this. If there’s anything I can do to make things easier, I’d love to help! I’m praying for you each day. If I can do something like make a meal for your kids, or provide a ride to your treatments, I’d love to do it for you.
Writing a Note for a Loved One
Sometimes, a note or card is all it takes. People love to know when others are thinking of them. When it comes to cancer, it can make all the difference in a long battle.
If you're looking for more ways to support a loved one with cancer, read our guides on chemo care packages, gifts for people with terminal cancer, and the best children's books on dealing with cancer.