How to Support Throat Cancer Patients

The American Cancer Society estimates that over 40,000 people each year are diagnosed with throat cancer. Throat cancer patients often experience pain in the throat and difficulty with breathing, eating and talking. Cancer patients need strong support from their doctors, family and friends to help them better deal with their illness and maintain a positive outlook on life.

Instructions

• 1

  Educate yourself about throat cancer. Cancer can affect the nasopharynx behind the nose, the oropharynx, or middle of the throat, and the hypopharynx, or bottom of the throat. Cancer of the larynx or voice box is also considered a throat cancer. Understanding the different types of throat cancer will make it easier to support patients.

• 2

  Help throat cancer patients quit smoking tobacco and drinking alcohol. Heavy smokers and drinkers are believed to be about 35 times more likely to get throat cancer than those who abstain. If a friend or family member is coping with throat cancer and is struggling with addiction to alcohol or tobacco, offer help him quit.

• 3

  Talk to your loved one about treatment decisions and be ready to ask physicians to carry out those decisions should the patient be unable. You and the patient must fill out the proper permission forms ahead of time.

• 4

  Make time in your life to offer emotional support by listening and being present. Cancer patients may experience feelings of depression and fear after diagnosis and while undergoing treatment. Talking to someone can work wonders for a patient going through a difficult time.