If you find out someone you love has recently been diagnosed with cancer, it can be an extreme and sudden shock. Because of the shock, you might not know how to deal with this and might end up upsetting your loved one. Or worse, you might make them feel like they’re alone. Whatever you do, don’t straight up tell them everything will be okay. Or suggest some miracle drug that you heard someone talking about. The first thing to do is just take a deep breath. And read on.

If you’re awkward or afraid, don’t be. This article is going to explain how to provide adequate and caring support for a loved one who has just received the bad news. The first thing to do is to understand the diagnosis and then the subsequent prognosis. Of course, there’s no telling how cancer begins to form and/or spread, but you should be on the lookout for a couple of factors.

Some drugs can actually be lethal, i.e. many patients have been diagnosed with cancer after consuming these. One of these toxic drugs is Valsartan, which had so many lawsuits filed against it that the proceedings are now called by a special name. It is the Valsartan lawsuit. Apparently, this drug led to multiple diagnoses of cancer after people ingested it. Lawsuits allege that the drug contained NDMA, which is a known carcinogen and hence caused various forms of cancer. The FDA later recalled a number of products that contained Valsartan across the country.

Sometimes, exposure to a carcinogen can be insidious. So insidious, in fact, that you may not realize it until much later. It’s important to look back and think of any places your loved one may have visited or products they may have used that could accelerate the cancerous growth.

Once you understand how to limit your loved one’s exposure to materials that may exacerbate the situation, you should know how to support them and be there for them.

Your loved one will be going through a difficult time. When they talk or vent, don’t just nod your head and pretend to listen. Truly absorb and hear what they are saying and reply in a thoughtful and considerate manner.

Someone who has just received a diagnosis will be in a state of shock for a while. They will need a lot of practical help, for e.g. they will need errands and tasks carried out. Offer them your physical support at the time they need it most.

This sounds frivolous but this one is perhaps the most important item in this list. Try to ease your loved one into their new diagnosis by exchanging jokes, making them laugh and laughing along with them. Laughter is a wonderful tool that will help them feel lighthearted and better equipped to fight their diagnosis.

This will be a difficult time for both you and your loved one. Make sure to offer them endless support and patience. Be flexible when they demand or need something. It’s up to you to take care of them and remind them that a person is much more than their diagnosis.