Cancer is awkward. When one person receives a cancer diagnosis, others around them often suddenly become uncomfortable.
We don’t know what to say. Do we bring it up? Or is it better to let them say something first? Of course, we have questions, but is it ever okay to ask them about their disease? Is it okay to ask the question? And how should we act when we are around them or their loved ones? Is it better to be optimistic and full of faith, anticipating their full recovery—or to simply love and support them on this dark journey, both of you aware that the future is unknown and that others have lost this battle?
Historically, there is a stigma associated with cancer. We know this is unreasonable. We know this is unfair. But it’s real—and it runs deep. We think about cancer differently than we do other diseases. Even in the church, our tendency is to step back when we hear the word cancer.
So, what can we do to “destigmatize” cancer for those who may experience this emotional hindrance still today—especially in our churches? How can we break the power of our fear and overcome our reluctance to get involved? What can we do to create an environment of healing and hope for our cancer patients and their loved ones?
1. Learn more. We need to understand cancer. In order to be able to win against cancer, we need to understand how this disease works and how we can fight back. We need to understand the challenges that patients and caregivers are facing, so we can support and minister to them. And we need to keep in mind that the physical side of cancer is only part of what we are fighting—the anxiety, anguish and fear that cancer patients and caregivers feel can be as devastating and destructive as the disease itself.
2. Encourage others. The Bible tells us to “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2) We need to be able to talk openly about cancer and encourage one another to make healthy and wise decisions. We need to actively enter into the lives of cancer patients and their caregivers. For those of us whose responsibilities include preaching or teaching, we can serve our congregations well by periodically talking about cancer and cancer care ministry.
3. Look around. Sometimes cancer patients and their caregivers are hard to see. It may be difficult for them to get out or to continue attending church. Depression or embarrassment may be keeping them home. They may not feel well or want any extra attention. But we can’t let “out of sight” become “out of mind.” They may not be actively looking for us, but love compels us to go out and look for them.
4. Reach out. Cancer care ministry can be a tremendous opportunity for a church to truly become the Body of Christ. We are sharing the love of Christ in very practical and meaningful ways when we help lift the burdens these people carry. Simply making an effort to bring comfort and hope to those living with a cancer diagnosis can be one of the greatest acts of love that a Christian can offer.
5. Offer hope. For so many people, a cancer diagnosis feels like a death sentence. This terrible disease brings fear and despair like no other. So, someone with cancer needs to know that there are people who have recovered from every stage of every type of cancer. They need to know about the advances in technology and medical science that are being made every year.
We need to do what we can to bring cancer into the light. According to the American Cancer Society, more than 1.8 million new cancer cases are expected to be diagnosed in the United States in 2020. This means that a staggering number of people—people we know and love—will be impacted by cancer. And every one of them will need hope and help. They will need someone from one of our churches to look them in the eye and encourage them and minister to them with love and compassion in the name of the Lord.
When Jesus saw the great crowds, the Bible tells us that “He had compassion on them and healed their sick.” (Matthew 14:14 NIV) We all need to have compassion like that. The hope and love we bring to someone facing cancer can make an important difference.
In His Service,
Rev. Percy McCray Jr.
National Director of Faith-Based Programs
Cancer Treatment Centers of America
Our Journey of Hope is sponsored by Cancer Treatment Centers of America®
Our Journey of Hope is sponsored by Cancer Treatment Centers of America®