Helping friends and family with cancer

FLORENCE, Mass. (WWLP) - On Sunday's 22News Interactive Internet poll question, we asked "Do you have cancer survivors in your family?"

Fifty-three percent of people said yes. Betsy Neisner of Cancer Connection in Northampton said that if the question asked 'Do you know someone who has been affected by cancer?'

The percentage of people who answered yes would likely be in the nineties. She said "It just is pervasive and everyone seems to know someone that has been struggling with cancer."

We asked her how people can help their friends or family through cancer. She said they should treat them the same way they always did.

Neisner said "Don’t let them lose their individuality. But, say, 'I hear you have cancer and I’m wondering if there’s anything I can do to help.'"

She also said to advise them to join a support group, like Cancer Connection. They offer counseling, classes, and workshops for both cancer patients and families who have a loved one struggling with cancer.

For more information on their free services, go to http:// www.cancer-connection.org