Be kind to yourself: Self-compassion and cancer

4 minute read time.
Be kind to yourself: Self-compassion and cancer

When navigating the challenging journey of a cancer diagnosis, our Online Community often provides gentle, yet profound wisdom. The phrase "be kind to yourself" echoes through many of our forums on a weekly basis.

This blog is a collection of quotes from our members that centre around the concept of being kind to oneself. These snippets reflect the shared wisdom and experience of individuals facing the challenges of cancer.

Patience and self-compassion in recovery

While recovering, patience and self-compassion play significant roles. It's important to take things slow and take each day as it comes. The following quotes illustrate the lessons learned through patience and self-kindness.


Nurturing well-being: Managing fatigue and self-care

The Community often discuss managing fatigue and prioritising self-care amidst the challenges of cancer. These quotes reflect the empathy and understanding within the community regarding the importance of taking care of one’s well-being.

Listening to your body and adapting

Adaption and acceptance of one’s body and limitations emerge as crucial themes within our Community. Members often emphasise the importance of listening to one’s body and approaching setbacks with self-compassion.

Shared support and encouragement

Life affected by cancer can feel isolated and lonely. However, it doesn’t have to remain that way. There is support available from people who know what you are going through. The Online Community is here for you through each step of the journey.


You might want to take a moment today to reflect on where you could offer yourself a bit more compassion and gentleness. Whether it's granting yourself rest, seeking support, or simply acknowledging your resilience, practising self-kindness can be a transformative act.

We invite you to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. 

A listening ear can sometimes help when you need to talk things through. Our Macmillan Support Line teams are ready and waiting to listen. They’re available 7 days a week, 8am-8pm on freephone 0808 808 00 00, email or live webchat.

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