Relationships and Cancer

This section provides information on the following topics:

One-on-One Support

Imerman Angels is a not-for-profit organization providing one-on-one cancer support: connecting cancer fighters, survivors and caregivers. Imerman Angels partners a person living with cancer with someone who is a survivor of the same type of cancer.

For more information about Imerman Angels, visit www.imermanangels.org.

Family Life: Information on the importance of communication as it relates to spouses and partners, friends and family members, children and parents.

Talking About Cancer: Learn how to talk with someone who has cancer, whether it's a spouse or partner, a teenager, a child, or a grandchild.

How A Child Understands Cancer: Many parents think they can protect their child by not telling them about the cancer diagnosis. However, experts agree that even young children should be told the truth. This article provides information on what children of different ages are likely to understand.

Siblings and Cancer: A child with cancer changes the family dynamics, which can be especially difficult for the healthy siblings. This article provides information on common emotions experienced by siblings, common behaviors observed in siblings, tips on helping siblings cope, and resources for parents and siblings.

Being Single With Cancer: The physical and emotional changes brought on by cancer can change dating and sexual relationships for single adults. This article provides information on dating, new relationships, and talking about and developing sexual intimacy.

Cancer and the Workplace: Dealing with Discrimination: Information on protecting the rights of the person with cancer and his or her family and information for employees.

Cancer and the Holidays: Practical tips on how to cope with the holiday season when you or your family member is dealing with a serious illness such as cancer.

Support and Resource Links: Links to patient information resources, cancer centers and cooperative groups, government agencies, and international patient information, journals, magazines, and information on support groups.