Sheila Hancock on breast cancer: transcript

Margaret:How should friends behave toward someone they love with cancer? Should they back off and let family members take the strain or pitch in?
Sheila Hancock:One of the good things about having cancer (unbelievably there are some) is the network of friends that you discover. The people I found most helpful were the people who had been through it themselves. Mainly new friends, made through support groups, Bristol, and people I met in hospital. As far as being a friend of somebody who is diagnosed, I think the most important thing is to carry on as normal. The worst thing in the world is to be treated as though you're already dead or some kind of victim. In fact you're the same person with a bloody awful illness.

Gloria:How have you conquered the fear of a relapse? My son of 17 is in the early stages of treatment for lymphoblastic leukaemia. The treatment itself seems hard to bear but how does one cope with the fear that the cancer may return?
Sheila Hancock:Your son is very young. He probably has a much more positive approach to his illness than you would think. After I was first diagnosed, every twinge I got was a relapse! I once remember worrying for a week quite seriously that I had cancer of the big toe. After all these years, it has become infinitely better although I would be foolish to pretend it has completely gone away. And indeed, I think it's sensible to be aware of your body and look out for danger signs as long as it doesn't become obsessive. Just as you would in fact had you not had cancer. Best wishes to yourself and your son.