How to behave around someone who has cancer

Before I had cancer I'm sure I was guilty of the old 'look away quick' principle whenever I saw someone with a 'cancer scarf' or bald head. Now I'm far more likely to look them straight in the eye and give them a big smile. Every so often when I was out and about (after the chemo had finished), someone would just give me a look. It's indescribable but just lovely, compassionate and open. I would just feel so much better afterwards. I also preferred it when people were just honest with me. Kids are refreshingly honest - laughing and screaming as you take off your hat and reveal your bald head. Some people have just asked me outright if I had cancer and talked to me openly about it. It's easy to forget that the person behind the cancer is still exactly the same (if a little more weary). They can still laugh, chat to you in a supermarket queue and flex their chemo-addled brains that are still whirring away under that multi-coloured scarf. So if you see someone who clearly has cancer, don't shy away from them, engage with them as you would normally. I'm sure they'll appreciate it!

Amanda