23/11/2025
“I’m here for you if you ever need.”
A dear friend just sent me a handwritten card with those words. I keep it on my desk; the problems don’t disappear, but it makes me smile.
That’s the power of support.
For people living with cancer and for caregivers, feeling supported is more than “nice to have”—it’s life-protecting. In one large review, people with cancer who felt they had strong social support had about a 25% lower risk of death, and those who felt they had a larger social network had about a 20% lower risk (Pinquart et al., 2010).
You can’t control every scan result or stressful situation, but you can take small steps to build and lean on your support team.
Name your people—and tell them how to help.
“Can I message you before my tests/appointments? It helps me feel less nervous.”
“Would you mind checking in on me once a week?”
Most people want to help—they just don’t know how. Give them a simple job.
Turn your support network into a “care circle.”
Instead of updating everyone separately (which is exhausting), ask one person to be your “point person” who can share updates. Protect your energy and let your circle support you—meals, rides, texts, or quiet presence—without you managing everyone.
Ask your care team or friends to connect you.
Ask about:
• Cancer support groups for patients and/or caregivers
• Trusted online communities and peer “buddy” programs
• Caregiver groups, psycho-oncology or counseling groups
• Walking, rehab, or gentle yoga groups
• Helplines and online groups
Even one group that “gets it” can be incredibly reassuring.
You don’t need your friends and family to “fix” anything. Often, they can’t.
But knowing they’re there—ready to listen, sit beside you, or send a short message—can make all the difference in the world.
This week:
If you’re struggling: reach out to one person for support or just to chat.
If you have a little extra strength: be that “lean on me” friend and send a short message or card to someone else.
We heal better when we don’t have to do it alone.
At Tokyo Cancer Clinic, we offer advanced cancer immunotherapies to help patients thrive, not just survive. Please reach out to learn more.