tiptoe around cancer

​Why don’t people like talking about Cancer?
 
I was at the local swimming pool yesterday when an old bloke asked me about my leg (I suffer from pretty bad lymphedema) . When I replied, “It’s getting there, mate,” he then asked how it happened. Well - I told him I had a cancer, that it was cut out from the groin and the bloke just shut up and left.  
This led me to think why is there so much stigma around cancer and why do people avoid talking about it?
 
My vision for Chat 4 Cure is to do the same thing that Beyond Blue is doing - providing advice and support for men’s depression -  but for cancer patients. I want people to feel okay about talking about cancer and what that means for their family & friends. I believe talking is one of the biggest healing aids around.  
 
My wife & I are leaders at a church in Albury/Wodonga where we run what’s called a connect group mentoring 18 – 25 year olds. Last Wednesday we had fifteen of these guys at our house and we spoke about my results (I have just be re-diagnosed with lung cancer), what that means for us and how we might not be around often in the next coming months. We then opened the floor up for discussion -  for everyone to talk and ask questions freely.  This was great time of sharing (and caring) and now the people we are leading don’t feel afraid about what I’m going through and feel comfortable asking questions.
 
This has helped my wife and I but also those who are close to us. Now everyone is on the same page, understands our situation and supports and cheers us on even more.
 
So lets start honestly talk about what we are going through with people because if we start sharing they will be able to support us even more. This week we have had people make meals for us and hang out with us. We even had a knock & runner come to our door and leave us lollies and gold class tickets (we still don’t know who this was)!
 
Just because someone has cancer please don't think you can't talk to them. You’re not going to catch it! You’re not going to make them sad by asking about it and I believe that the person will find healing relief when you talk to them about their situation. Share the stories and care for the Storyteller.