Being able to communicate well is important at this time. There will be a lot happening and different people to communicate with, such as family or multiple health professionals. Some of the information here may help to make this easier.

Family members and friends will be concerned about what is happening. They will possibly have a lot of questions and concerns. It is helpful to think about how to manage these conversations, and whether any support would be helpful.

Consider nominating someone in the family to communicate to others. Setting up a telephone tree may help. This is where each person contacts specific people to share the time involved in keeping everybody up to date.

Remember that talking is not the only way we communicate. Sometimes sitting quietly together can also be very powerful.

Resources

• The Cancer Council of Australia has a website with information on communicating more effectively
• The US Y-ME Breast Cancer Support website has information on  ‘Talking with family and friends’ that may be helpful for anyone.
• Information can also be found from the Caregivers Support website (US) on ‘Communication in Caregiving’.

Related CareSearch pages

Would it help to talk to someone?
Difficult conversations
Family communication
Talking with children
Communicating with health professionals
Patients' need for information
Family caregiver need for information
I don’t know what to say
 
Last updated 08 November 2011*