Empowering You to Be Present
Receiving the news of a cancer diagnosis as a young adult is devastating and comes with a unique set of challenges. Peer support is vital, and yet with busy lives and schedules is often difficult to sustain. Why? Young adults often lack the experience needed to support someone with cancer. By understanding what is ahead and how a loved one wants to be supported, the social network can organize authentic support and improve their friend’s quality of life during treatment and beyond.
The Supporter Roadmap was developed by cancer supporters and survivors who understand the challenges and want to help patients and supporters get off to the best start possible. You can view the digital version below. Prefer a hard copy? Free print copies are available upon request for you and your team of supporters.
Helpful Tips and Resources
Understanding What's Ahead
My friend / loved one has cancer. What’s next?
You just received the news that your friend has cancer. If you are like most young adults, you may not have the experience to know how your friend will be impacted or how you can be a good supporter. Check out the links for tips on how to approach the news with courage and compassion.
Where can I learn more about the different cancers and how it impacts young adults?
Facts are the best way to conquer fear of the unknown. To get you started, here are a few links to authoritative resources and articles that will help you learn about the various types of cancer and how a cancer diagnosis specifically impacts young adults (age 18-39).
American Cancer Society – Cancer in Young AdultsÂ
American Cancer Society – Making Treatment Decisions
Center for Disease Control – CancerÂ
Adolescent And Young Adult Oncology | What is AYA? (fwaya.org)
Livestrong – Young Adults with CancerÂ
National Cancer Institute- Adolescents and Young Adults with CancerÂ
Where can I find personal stories and tips from the young adult cancer community?
Every experience is unique, but many young adults facing cancer share common themes. Reading personal stories from others who have been there can help you understand the challenges, what’s needed, and what truly impacts quality of life, for better or worse. Knowledge is power, and being informed can help you navigate your own experience with confidence and clarity. Explore the sites below to learn more.
Identify Communication Preferences and Boundaries
Why is it important to understand a friend’s communication preferences and boundaries early on?
Understanding your friend’s communication preferences and boundaries early helps set the foundation for trust, reduces stress, and prevents missteps that can lead to hurt feelings or isolation. Clear, respectful communication ensures support feels safe and consistent, especially during an unpredictable time like cancer. By practicing active listening, being honest, and respecting boundaries, you create space for your friend to share openly and for your support to truly meet their needs.
Perfecting Communication After a Cancer Diagnosis
Conflict Resolution Toolbox: Strategies for Strengthening ConnectionsÂ
Embracing Different Communication Styles Within Cancer Support Networks
I Have Cancer, And No One Cares: What Is Cancer Ghosting?Â
Creating Healthy Boundaries: A Guide for Young Adults with CancerÂ
Improve Your Conversations with Active Listening
Sympathy vs. Empathy vs. Compassion: Cancer Support and Where Each Fits
Where can I find info on what to say and how to act?
The stigma of cancer can create an awkward barrier between you and your friend. The most important thing when interacting is to be authentic to your relationship. Also, be mindful of your friend’s physical and emotional state and adjust accordingly to meet them where they are. If you are looking for some helpful advice on what to say to your friend and how to avoid the pitfalls, we’ve collected a few quick reads and videos to get you started.
Emotions After a Cancer Diagnosis: What Your Loved One Might be Going Through
What Not to Say to Someone Dealing with DepressionÂ
Cancer Humor: Here’s What You Need to Know
Cancer Support: Why Believing in Yourself is Key
My Friend Has Cancer, I Don’t Know What to Say
Understand and Organize desired support
Learn how your friend/loved one wants to be supported
Now that you have a better understanding of how cancer can affect young adults, the next step is learning how your friend wants to be supported. Taking time to ask and listen will help you understand their preferences, set healthy boundaries, and identify who they want involved. The feedback you receive will guide how the support network is structured, what tools are most helpful, and how you and the other friends can work together to provide consistent, meaningful support.
Be Intentional and Stay Committed
How does being consistent and intentional with your actions and words help your friend feel supported throughout their experience?
Consistency builds trust and helps your friend feel secure during an uncertain journey. Being intentional with your words and actions, whether through regular check-ins, validating their feelings, or offering practical help, shows your support is reliable. Since cancer is an ongoing and often isolating process, showing up authentically and respecting boundaries makes a lasting impact.
Finding the support you need when you need it
As you continue to seek or offer support during treatment and beyond, questions and challenges may arise along the way. In addition to resources available through your local treatment centers, the carelines and support groups below can help you navigate those moments and keep moving forward with steady, compassionate support.
What are some virtual activities I can do with my friend?
Friends and supporters may not always live nearby, but distance doesn’t have to mean disconnection. Virtual activities make it easy to share experiences, laugh together, and stay present in each other’s lives. Explore the ideas below for fun, meaningful ways to connect — no matter where you are.
Creative Expression to Process and Connect
Creative expression helps process emotions, find meaning, and stay connected. Whether it’s journaling your thoughts, painting your feelings, or sharing music that speaks to your journey, creativity offers space to heal and rediscover yourself
Self Care Helps you be there
Why is taking care of yourself important when supporting someone through cancer?
Supporting someone through cancer is meaningful, but it can also be emotionally heavy. Taking care of yourself helps prevent burnout and ensures you can continue showing up with the energy, patience, and compassion your friend needs.
Beyond Treatment - What's Next
Looking Back and Looking Forward
When treatment ends, it’s natural to pause, reflect, and think about what life looks like moving forward. Maybe you’re thinking about a new major, career path, or city — or ready to explore the world. The possibilities are endless.
Seek out mentors and experts who can guide your next steps. Express gratitude to the important people in your life, and don’t be afraid to let go of what no longer serves you so you can create a future that feels hopeful, inspiring, and entirely your own.
How to Create a Post-Cancer Vision Board
Survivorship Roadmap from a 2x Cancer Survivor
Legacy Planning for Young Adults with Cancer
Celebrating Your Cancer Anniversary (aka “Cancervsary”)
Survivors Guilt: What is it and Who Feels It?
How to Write a Thoughtful Thank You Note to Someone Who Supported You During Cancer
Discover your passion with Connecting Champions
Reconnect and Explore
When treatment ends, it’s time to reconnect—with yourself, your people, and the world around you. Whether it’s joining survivor camps, celebrating milestones, or spending time in nature, these moments can renew your spirit, strengthen bonds, and inspire new memories filled with hope and meaning.
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