Insider Blog

When a loved one is diagnosed with breast cancer, it’s not only difficult for them, but it can also be a challenge for their support system. If your loved one has breast cancer, you want to help them and support them in the best way possible. While there are countless ways to help, here are a few suggestions to help you get started.

Join Team Avon
Avon and LG&HH are the National Presenting Sponsor with American Cancer Society for Making Strides against Breast Cancer. Every year whether in-person or virtually, you can sign up and join Team Avon by participating in a walk or even fundraising! We hope you join us to making strides against breast cancer.

Educate yourself.
Read up on breast cancer so you can have an understanding of what your loved one is going through and learn how to help.

Plan time to visit.
Look at your own schedule and figure out how much time you can devote to helping your loved one. Then, communicate your availability with your loved one to see what days and times work best for them to visit. If you don’t have much free time, perhaps you can speak to other friends and family members and help organize times that they can visit.  Visiting can be more than talking with your loved one—set up times you can help them clean, baby-sit or pet-sit if necessary.

Run errands.
Running errands is a great way to help a loved one with breast cancer, as they might not have the energy to complete certain day-to-day tasks. Go to the grocery store for them, pick up prescriptions, or help pick up their kids from their activities. If you’re not sure what errands they need, simply ask how you can help.

Do normal activities with your loved one.  
Go for walks with your loved one, cook them a meal, watch their favorite TV show, or take them to get their nails done. It is helpful to maintain a sense of normalcy, and they will enjoy keeping busy.

Take them to appointments.
Whether they’re going to treatment or a general check-in with their doctor, your loved one will likely enjoy having someone with them for support. You can also take notes as the doctor speaks and go over them with your loved one another time. 

Listen to their needs.
Communicate with your loved one efficiently, and listen to their needs.  If your loved one calls or texts you, try to respond promptly and in a supportive manner. Let them know that you are there for them to talk about cancer if they wish, but respect if they don’t want to talk about it.  If you are visiting with your loved one and they ask you to leave, respect their wishes.

Make a care package.
Make your loved one a care package with some of their favorite things. If they enjoy reading, fill it with books and magazines, or if they’re more analytical, fill it with different types of puzzles. You can also add little pick-me-ups like our Cucina Fruits & Passion Hand Soap in Coriander and Olive Tree, and Skin So Soft Original Shower Gel. They can use these items day to day to feel refreshed and uplifted. Be sure to also ask your loved one if they are sensitive to certain smells, as this can often be a side effect of treatment.

Consider the caregiver.
Being a caregiver requires a lot of energy. If you can help them out in any way, they will appreciate the effort. Bring them a coffee or snack, or offer to stay with your loved one, allowing the caregiver to take a break. You can also make the caregiver a custom care package —they deserve it

Sell Avon Products & Fundraise
Start by becoming an Avon Representative by contributing $5 or more to support the American Cancer Society’s breast cancer programs and services. Then create a fundraiser page to while selling products and a contribution giving back.