Do needs for social support change?

Dianne Shumay, PhD. Cancer is a long process, and it changes people in the moment and over time. We see this as an undulating path. So we can see that in the beginning there can be a lot of overwhelm; as things settle in and we become a little bit more accustomed to treatment, then perhaps that overwhelm kind of subsides and it's not as stressful. And then there's another stressful moment. Perhaps there's a scan or there's some other news that happens. What I suggest for people who want to really be supportive to our patients with cancer is to understand the nature of the process: Sometimes people may be more receptive to your help and your overtures, and sometimes they might be less. So be patient, stick around, and keep coming back with offers of help.