We all know that pink is associated with breast cancer. The reason is that it gets so widely promoted. There are special colours for just about all the known cancers. To use the colour associated with your loved-ones cancer might just bring more awareness to the cause. Whether you buy or make something using the colour, or even just wrap your gift in the ‘ribbons of hope’ colours - Christmas is around the corner, and we can make it meaningful!

There are many choices, but one might feel unsure of what to do for an ill loved-one this Christmas season. Although any gift is great, I spoke to some patients about their needs. The list is practical, humorous, wanted - and will be much appreciated:

THE PRACTICAL: Knee blanket, jersey, jacket, hat, beanie, scarves, soft leather gloves, diary, notebook, bookmark, books, music, Video store contract, magazine contract, water bottle, tablet dispenser, luxury toiletries, liquidiser, huge bag for therapy sessions
THE HUMUROUS: Funky nail polish, fridge magnets, slippers, a pet, pot plant, badges, t-shirts with slogans, comedy show, key rings, personal Christmas tree globe, fun home video
THE ‘Nice to Have’s’: Transport to shops/oncologist/therapy, a cooked meal, regular visits/phone calls, a trip/outing, massage, pedicure, facial, craft course, gem stone/crystal, organic vitamins, professional family photo

All cancers - Lavender
Bladder - Yellow
Bone - White and gold
Brain - Grey
Breast - Pink
Breast male - Pink and blue
Caregivers - Plum (don’t forget to thank them!!!)
Children - Gold
Colon - Royal blue or brown
Colorectal - Royal blue or brown
Gynaecological - Lavender
Head/neck/oral - Burgundy and ivory
Hodgkin’s disease - Violet
Kidney/renal - Orange
Leiomyosarcoma - Purple
Leukaemia - Orange
Liver - Emerald
Lung - Pearl/clear
Lymphoma – Lime green
Melanoma - Black
Mesothelioma - Royal blue
Multiple cancers - Burgundy
Multiple Myeloma - Burgundy
Oesophageal - Periwinkle (light blue/purple)
Ovarian - Teal
Pancreatic - Purple
Prostate - Light blue
Retinoblastoma - White
Sarcoma - Yellow
Stomach - Periwinkle
Teenage - White and teal
Testicular – Orchid/violet
Thyroid - Blue
Uterine - Peach

One can truly put some thought into the gift. Some cancer patients struggle financially due to high medical costs and depleted medical aids. Giving cash is not always advisable as some people might take offence. Offering (in a group) to cover telephone-or electricity bills is one way. How about offering essentials like toiletries for the year ahead? Filling his/her petrol tank, taking the car to the carwash monthly or offering lifts for children – any of these things will lift a tremendous burden. If you decide to purchase food – bear in mind that nutritional health is essential.

But one ‘need’ that stands out far above the rest, is friendship. Sending an e-mail, picking up the phone, going for lunch/movies/theatre – even just a visit and a back-rub, or news of your day – these are the things your loved-one truly aspire to. Just sitting together, each reading his/her own book, is precious. One needn’t discuss the ‘gloom and doom’ of the cancer condition all the time. Remember, except for cancer, there are many other things happening in your loved-ones life. As friends to one another, we lift up, support and share. Be the best ‘cancer friendly’ mate to someone this Christmas!