What Not to Say When Someone Is Diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer
Do not offer advice or criticism
After a loved one has been diagnosed with ovarian cancer, do not offer her advice or criticism. “It does not help to say, ‘If only you had seen your doctor sooner…,’” noted Abbott. Unless you have been in someone’s shoes, you cannot imagine what they are going through. Even then, every individual’s situation is different. “Cancer patients want to be cured. Lack of response to treatment has nothing to do with a patient’s will, strength or commitment” said Abbott. Moreover, do not talk about ovarian cancer statistics. “Patients do not want to hear the statistics. They want to know that there is a plan moving forward” said Dr. Tewari, a gynecologic oncologist at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center in California.
