“Cancer Etiquette:What to Say, What to Do When Someone You Know or Love Has Cancer,” is a newly released book by former librarian Rosanne Kalick, a cancer survivor.
When a casual friend said “At least you’ll be symmetrical” after Kalick told her about her impending double mastectomy, she decided to reach out to other cancer survivors, and discovered that they, too, had endured insensitive comments and awkward gestures. She understood that the comments were made to be supportive, but that sometimes they weren’t quite appropriate.
Her book is packed with stories from other survivors and practical communication strategies for friends and family, such as when to make a joke, when to use religious comments or when to simply say nothing at all. Kalick also delves into appropriate humor, gifts and other methods to comfort, along with explaining the surprising physical and mental changes cancer can bring. Story from the Journal News .
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