Dr. Virginia Loewenstine, CEO and medical director of Tristate Preventive Health, answers your questions
Q: What do I say to a fellow firefighter who has just been diagnosed with cancer?
A: This can be difficult for anyone, but especially hard for those who take care of others. Feelings of helplessness are common. Because some individuals do not want to talk about their health, wait for the person to reveal the diagnosis. This will help gauge how receptive they are to talking about it. Go from there. Remember there is nothing you can do about the cancer but you can offer support to the individual, and that support should be consistent.
Asking “What can I do to support you?” “What help can I give you?” may get the conversation started. However, some people won’t know the answer to those questions. Offering specific examples such as, “Can I drive you to your treatment appointment?” “Would it be helpful to you if I mowed your lawn?” “Could I pick up your prescriptions for you?” may help.
