Cancer Poems

Cancer's Journey: Poems from Patients and Loved Ones Fighting Cancer

Cancer, the dreaded "C" word. It has become such an epidemic in our society that people are loath to even mention its name. Cancer is a disease that can affect many different parts of the body. Some of these diseases are more serious than others. It is not only the disease that is painful but also the many way of treating it. Radiation treatments may kill the cancer but are also dangerous for the body. Chemotherapy comes with many side effects such as hair loss and severe nausea. The many faces of this disease challenge an individual to show their fighting spirit and will to live.

47 Poems about Losing a Loved One to Cancer

1. Daddy, Don't Be Scared
- By Jade E. Mcnullen
- Published by Family Friend Poems February 2010
I'm 14 and This is a poem I wrote about my experience when my dad had cancer two years ago.

Awaiting the news, we feared the worst and hoped for the best.
Life was about to put my family through an unforgettable test
Mom came in, evidence on her face, that daddy wasn't okay
"daddy has cancer" mom cried "we won't see him for a couple of days"

Awaiting the news, we feared the worst and hoped for the best.
Life was about to put my family through an unforgettable test
Mom came in, evidence on her face, that daddy wasn't okay
"daddy has cancer" mom cried "we won't see him for a couple of days"

I didn't sleep that night, that night was one of the worst
I have never been to a funeral before, and I feared daddy's would be my first
I cried myself to sleep, and little did I get
I wasn't ready to lose my only father yet

After the surgery, I visited Daddy, and I don't mean to be rude
But seeing him like this scared me, he looked like a skeleton decorated in tubes
It was exceptionally difficult not to cry, but I tried oh so hard
I walked over, hugged Daddy tight, and handed him my home-made card

It said: Daddy I hope you get well soon, I know you'll be okay
It's okay to be scared, we'll visit you everyday.
And when you get home, things will change, we won't ever fight, it's true.
Daddy never give up, keep on fighting...
I never want to lose you.

As his eyes scanned across the page, tears welled up in his eyes.
That was the first day I've ever seen my Daddy cry.
We hugged for forever, cried together, and quickly did time pass.
I never wanted to stop saying "I love you" for fear it would be the last.
More...
Go To Poem Page
- Stories 31
- Shares 609
- Favorited 34
- Votes 211
- Rating 4.67
Featured Shared Story

I was touched when I read your poem. My husband was diagnosed with cancer a month ago and is about to embark on his treatment. Emotions running high, but my husband is positive, and he has...

Read complete story

Share your story! (31)

2. Our Hearts Will Always Touch
- By Ranja Kujala
- Published by Family Friend Poems September 2007
I wrote this after I lost my Mum to Cancer. We only found out 7 weeks before she passed away from the disease. I was alone with mum when she passed away. I feel honored that she felt comfortable and safe to go peacefully in my arms however the vision of her last breath will play on my mind forever. I miss my mum so very much....SO VERY MUCH. She was my world (just like she always used to say to me). I pray she is happy and safe and I pray even harder that we meet again. I have to see my beautiful mum again. I LOVE YOU SO MUCH MUMSY..Always and Forever...your Narny...xx

When I lay there beside you,
Could you feel me there?
My arms were wrapped around you,
And I was stroking your hair.

When I lay there beside you,
Could you feel me there?
My arms were wrapped around you,
And I was stroking your hair.

I was talking about all the good times,
For me they were every single day.
I wanted you to feel love and comfort,
And happy in some way.

I watched your every breath,
And prayed that each one wasn't your last.
The time we got to share together,
Went by too quick...Too fast.

I wanted you to wake up,
Please Mum...Open your eyes.
Tell me this is a nightmare,
And not our goodbyes.

As your last breath grew closer,
We lay there peacefully together.
My heart continually breaking,
Because I wanted you forever.

Then there it was,
Your final breath of air.
I didn't want to believe it,
This is so cruel and not fair.

I held your beautiful face,
And prayed you'd breath again.
I wasn't ready for you to go,
I couldn't admit that this was the end.

But then I realized that you were now in peace,
And not suffering anymore.
You were beginning the life of an Angel,
And your body would no longer be sore.

I held you close and squeezed you tight,
And tried to say goodbye.
I've lost my Mum and my number one best friend,
All my heart could do is cry.

I slowly got up,
I wanted so much to stay.
I leaned over and gave you one more kiss,
It was so hard to walk away.

Mum, you are my entire world,
And I miss you so very much.
I wish I could feel your lovable cuddle,
And your soft and gentle touch.

But for now I have to wait,
Until we meet again.
You will always be in my heart and thoughts,
My dear Mum and best friend.

Always and Forever,
Our hearts will always touch.
Always and Forever,
Your baby girl loves you so much.
More...
Go To Poem Page
- Stories 104
- Shares 3832
- Favorited 100
- Votes 685
- Rating 4.67
Featured Shared Story

My mother got cancer when I was 8. She survived and was in remission for a year, but when I was 12 she was diagnosed with cancer again. This time we all knew she would die, when she told us I...

Read complete story

Share your story! (104)

3. Goodnight Our Hero
- By Juli Round
- Published by Family Friend Poems June 2008
Dedicated to the memory of our beautiful son Danny who died of cancer March 10, 2007, aged 13. A truly remarkable, loving, and inspirational child.

Son Died Of Cancer Poem

To be brave is to cry
But still to fight on,
And that's what you did,
Our hero, our son.

To be brave is to cry
But still to fight on,
And that's what you did,
Our hero, our son.

The battle was hard.
We thought we had won,
But still you fought on,
Our hero, our son.

The happiness you brought
To the lives you have touched
Will live on forever
As you are loved so much.

When we close our eyes we can see you.
When we whisper your name we can hear you,
And when we reach with our hearts we can touch you.

Goodnight our hero, our son, our Dan.
You are just a child
But you have died a man.
More...

Go To Poem Page
- Stories 42
- Shares 1365
- Favorited 19
- Votes 270
- Rating 4.64
Featured Shared Story

I am so sorry. My great grandma died from cancer and so did my grandma. It must've been so hard for you. I can't imagine what you went through losing your son. I'm so sorry for your loss.

Share your story! (42)
4. A Stranger Comes To Call
- By John Kehoe
- Published by Family Friend Poems November 2013
I'm a 63 year old grandad and I'm married to wonderful lady. We hope to celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary in May 2012. We have two children adopted as babies, a boy and a girl, and a niece who we treat and regard as our daughter, we also have a grand-daughter and another on the way.
My poem, reflects my thoughts, feelings and emotions shortly after I was diagnosed with cancer. Perhaps it may help some other sufferers or their family members to read it, and I offer it on that basis.
John Kehoe - 24th. November 2010.

Thoughts On Being Diagnosed With Cancer

Some weeks ago through medical doubt
I met someone I'd heard lots about
I never thought our paths would cross
Our meeting left me at a loss.

Some weeks ago through medical doubt
I met someone I'd heard lots about
I never thought our paths would cross
Our meeting left me at a loss.
I'd had no contact with this guy
He picked me out...... I wonder why?

He's very sneaky, changes disguise
I've made small payments towards his demise,
But he moves about with sadistic glee
And now he takes revenge on me.
He's never redundant nor on the dole
He violates your inner soul.

He's sometimes slow and sometimes swift
But the net result is Satans' gift.
What can I do now he's moved in?
He's hurting now my next of kin.
He's no compassion no fear no shame
It's no surprise cancer's his name.

World-wide great efforts attack this thing,
And wondrous improvements this will bring
They'll drain his strength give him the sack
Once beaten he'll have no way back
It may be too late for you or me
But we'll fight our corner as best can be.

With help from family and friends
With medical treatment and new trends
We'll do our best through smooth and rough
To stay real positive ....... hang in tough.
And maybe before our final breath
We may rejoice at cancers death.
More...
Go To Poem Page
- Stories 4
- Shares 918
- Favorited 25
- Votes 240
- Rating 4.58
Featured Shared Story

I just love this poem. I have lived through so many of these phases, as though I was the one writing it. My name is Sharon Gross. I’m 55, and in 2015 I was diagnosed with Adeno Carcinoma of...

Read complete story

Share your story! (4)

5. God Can You Hear Me?
- By Jamie A. Cirello
- Published by Family Friend Poems May 2014
This was just how I felt the last few weeks of my Dad's battle with prostate cancer. I knew in my head that he was not going to get better, but my heart was telling me otherwise. I always had hope, but it soon ran out.

Poem About Father's Fight With Cancer

My eyes fill with tears,
And I could hardly see
This cancer is stealing my father
Slowly away from me.

My eyes fill with tears,
And I could hardly see
This cancer is stealing my father
Slowly away from me.

I can't stand to see him suffer,
I pray his pain would go away.
The light inside him fades a little more
With every passing day.

Please give him the courage
To fight a little longer.
I feel so helpless now.
What can I do to help make him stronger?

I can see it in his eyes.
It's like he wants to give in.
Cancer CAN be fought,
But you have to WANNA win.

Can't he see that we need him.
Shouldn't that be enough?
He has to think positive.
I know my dad is tough.

I sit and think and think
Until my head wants to explode
Always the same question: why him?
But the answer is still untold.

I wish by some miracle
His cancer would just disappear
And I could have my father back
And there would be no more fear.

God, can you hear me?
I never ask for much.
Would it be so wrong for me to ask
That you give my dad your special touch?

I'm not asking for money
Or diamonds or even a pearl.
I'm simply asking you to help him fight
Signed: daddy's little girl!
More...
Go To Poem Page
- Stories 9
- Shares 1225
- Favorited 60
- Votes 286
- Rating 4.70
Featured Shared Story

This poem touched my heart in so many ways! I'm writing this through tears. On June 23, 2019, I lost my dad to cancer. I had just gotten to meet him. That sounds odd, I know, but I didn't get...

Read complete story

Share your story! (9)
6. To My Mom
- By Jennifer Correa
- Published by Family Friend Poems December 2013
I wrote this poem one month before my mom passed away from cancer. I was 18 years old and about to graduate from high school. My mom, Rebecca King, was the strongest, most amazing woman I have ever known.

Keep Fighting Cancer Poem

In your eyes I see the pain,
Slowly the tears roll down, they won't refrain.

I look down to the floor as if I'm hiding,

In your eyes I see the pain,
Slowly the tears roll down, they won't refrain.

I look down to the floor as if I'm hiding,
As I whisper, "Mom, keep fighting. Keep fighting."

As I reach for your hand, so strong yet so weak,
I notice the paleness in each cheek.

I am so afraid, what do I do?
I can only pray God will guide us through.

I lean over to kiss you goodnight.
Darkness lingers when I turn out the light.

As I walk out I look back through the glass.
Please don't give up mom. "This too shall pass."
More...
Go To Poem Page
- Stories 7
- Shares 1144
- Favorited 24
- Votes 268
- Rating 4.60
Featured Shared Story

I am battling brain cancer. Doctors only gave me 2 months to live; that was 5 years ago. I'm now 36 and have 3 kids who need me. Every day gets harder to keep up the fight, but I can't...

Read complete story

Share your story! (7)
7. Cancer
- By Jessica Louise Wheeler
- Published by Family Friend Poems December 2013
Recently I did Race for Life, I have done it a few times but this year it meant a lot more to me because my Grandma had found a lump and we thought it might be cancer. I wrote this poem the night I found out about it. Fortunately, my Grandma had the lump removed and all is okay now, but it could have been a lot worse.

Inspirational Poem For Fighting Cancer

One day you showed up,
With no reason why,
You claimed your victims,
You've made grown men cry.

One day you showed up,
With no reason why,
You claimed your victims,
You've made grown men cry.

I'm warning you now
That we're all fighting back,
One day we will stop
Your unprovoked attacks.

You've proven your point.
You make me sick to the core.
You've left so many waiting
Outside of death's door.

Enough is enough.
You can't ruin lives forever.
You've torn apart families
That were happy together.

Nobody knows
Why you're even here.
You're not wanted, you're hated.
You take those that are dear.

There's no explanation,
But I want an answer.
I know what you are;
you're that murderous coward they call cancer.

You've got nowhere to run
And nowhere to hide.
We are coming to get you,
So say your final goodbyes!
More...
Go To Poem Page
- Stories 2
- Shares 509
- Favorited 27
- Votes 78
- Rating 4.54
Featured Shared Story

Cancer is a life changer and heart breaker. It takes someone close to you and kills them. It has made grown men cry because they are sad that their loved one has died. We all try to fight...

Read complete story

Share your story! (2)
8. Pink Ribbon
- By Kevin T. Pearson
- Published by Family Friend Poems May 2012
Hi, my name is Kevin, and I lost my wife over 6 years ago, and I still miss and think of her every day. She died of breast cancer at the age of 46, leaving behind four children who loved her very much.

Poem About Wife Dying From Breast Cancer

They said time would ease the pain.
Every day I still feel the same.
I wake every morning reaching for you,
My pillow soaked with my tears like the morning dew.

They said time would ease the pain.
Every day I still feel the same.
I wake every morning reaching for you,
My pillow soaked with my tears like the morning dew.

We were so sure this was something we could beat,
Knowing it would be no small feat.
The ribbons of pink now mean much more,
Just never thought this would come knocking on our door.

We fought for more time together,
Thinking every day you were getting better.
Every day, rain or shine, seemed to be lined with gold.
We still talked of our future plans of growing old.

We heard of so many that had survived this.
I still remember our last kiss.
We thought we could win for sure.
Now for others I can only hope for a cure.
More...
Go To Poem Page
- Stories 12
- Shares 500
- Favorited 9
- Votes 97
- Rating 4.49
Featured Shared Story

Death Anniversary - I lost my wife to brain cancer on July 16, 2003. We were married for 5 years. We took her to the best hospital in Pakistan, and at third stage we thought we had beaten it...

Read complete story

Share your story! (12)
9. To My 2-Year-Old Little Girl Fighting Cancer
- By David Austin
- Published by Family Friend Poems March 2014
My 2-year-old daughter was diagnosed with stage 4 liver cancer and lung cancer 1 week after her second birthday. It's been a difficult 9 weeks and not even half way through treatment! We almost lost her on PICU during this early stage due to internal bleeding, but with her strength and the doctors she defied the odds. Six more months of intensive chemo coupled with a liver transplant of which I am the donor and hopefully my girl will be free of this disease.

Being a father
Is unlike anything else
It makes you happier
Than life itself

Being a father
Is unlike anything else
It makes you happier
Than life itself
Your job is to protect
And always be there
For whatever happens
No matter how fair
It's taught me a lesson
And one which is true
That love is a feeling
I have just for you
More...
Go To Poem Page
- Stories 1
- Shares 144
- Favorited 2
- Votes 86
- Rating 4.34
Featured Shared Story

I really liked this poem. This really touched my heart.

Share your story! (1)
10. Good Mommy
- By Mary B. Downes
- Published by Family Friend Poems February 2006
You can't prepare for the harshness and reality of the sickness and death of your Mother.

Hospital With Mother’s Body

You can't prepare for this:
the DNR in red letters,
last rites over,
the monitors off,

You can't prepare for this:
the DNR in red letters,
last rites over,
the monitors off,
the harsh fluorescent lights,
the curtains drawn,
and the bed rail down
because there is no place left
for your mother to fall.

And then you see her,
one eye half open,
her hands clawed like eagle talons,
her dry lips form an O of surprise,
and the tangled blue diamonds
of her hospital gown.

You reach for her,
bury your face
in the wing of her collarbone,
caress her cool cheeks,
then run your hands
down the rough cotton blanket,
feel how small she is.

Your chest is tight and aches;
this is what heart break
feels like, and now
you know.

You hear a rustle,
a young nurse presses
tissues and a phone
into your shaking hands,
ring ring ring ring,
but it's rush hour
and no one's home, yet.

You sit down so the nurse
can close your mother's eyes
and fold her hands on her chest,
while you stare at the table,
her dentures, her silver eyeglasses,
and the thick novel you brought
because she was supposed to live
through this night,
and the next.

You have some time
to straighten her matted wig,
brush some pink blush
on her waxy cheeks,
rub vanilla gloss
on her chapped lips,
spray her wrists
with sweet lavender cologne.

You remember
how much she liked cheap beer,
long cigarettes, and television,
how she knit you a white sweater
with three black kittens
for the first day of school,
how she got drunk one night
and called you a tramp.

You regret telling her
to go straight to hell,
because you know
she had a hard time
raising three kids alone,
Besides, fourteen years
of bone cancer
was hell enough.

You drag your chair to the bed,
wipe the hot tears from your face,
rub her stick thin legs,
and whisper,
'You were a good mommy,'
the same words
you will write on a slip of paper
and tuck behind the crepe pillow,
just before they close her casket.
More...
Go To Poem Page
- Stories 2
- Shares 37
- Favorited 6
- Votes 22
- Rating 4.09
Featured Shared Story

Dear Mary - your poem resonated with my experience of losing my mum (Sept 11) hugely. I'm so sorry we and others have gone through this. I was looking today for something to comfort me as I...

Read complete story

Share your story! (2)
11. Battling Cancer
- By Heather Weitz
- Published by Family Friend Poems January 2011
My brother-in-law was battling cancer and slowly loosing the battle...he was faced with a hard decision to keep trying the treatments and be sick all the time, or let nature takes it's course. I needed him to know we were all there for support with whatever decision he should make, and that we loved him so. Rest In Peace Keith, Love You Always!

Making Decision To Stop Medication

Feeling tired
Feeling weak
With all the pain you do not seek

Feeling tired
Feeling weak
With all the pain you do not seek

Feeling scared and unprepared
Are feelings that we all share

In whatever you decide
We will be by your side

We all hold hands with each other
With love and hope for you my brother
More...
Go To Poem Page
- Stories 1
- Shares 39
- Favorited 1
- Votes 24
- Rating 4.00
Featured Shared Story

I feel every word in this poem. On June 2, 2010 I was told that I have stage four cancer. Still holding on. Please read "

Read complete story

Share your story! (1)
12. Floundering
- By Dr. Jamie Y. Marable
- Published by Family Friend Poems August 2015
I wrote this poem during my first visit with my mother after learning a few days before Christmas that she has Stage IV kidney cancer. I do not live in the same state as my mother, but spent the Christmas holiday with her. During our time together, I struggled with a range of emotions. I wanted to be a source of support for my mother, and yet I was still digesting the news and trying to come to terms with it.

Poem About Struggling With Mom's Cancer Diagnosis

Emotion. Less.
A tall order of contradictions
Compassion
Space

Emotion. Less.
A tall order of contradictions
Compassion
Space
Conversation -
But not too much
I am touched
I smile
Trying not to display pity or pain
A mission impossible:
Be her brave and silent warrior
As she fights
The battle of her lifetime
I come up short
Unarmed
Untrained
Ill-equipped
Faith floundering
Fear overflowing
More...
Go To Poem Page
- Stories 1
- Shares 48
- Favorited 4
- Votes 9
- Rating 3.44
Featured Shared Story

I had a beautiful, loving, great marriage for 26 years to my husband. His name was Rick and he was 58 years old. I lost him to Esophageal and Spinal Cancer 5 years ago. I still feel like it...

Read complete story

Share your story! (1)
13. 5 Years Old
- By Kristie
- Published by Family Friend Poems May 2008
This is in memory of a wonderful young boy who fought cancer for most of his short life. He was diagnosed with an Atypical Rhaboid Tumor of the brain at 11 months of age. He lived more in his 5 short years than any of us have in a lifetime. His spirit and love of life moved all of those around him, and we truly lost an amazing child to this terrible disease. Just a reminder to all of those reading to support your local Relay for Life fundraisers and help fight back. Thank You!!

Child Fighting Cancer Poem

What would you do
in 5 short years?
Would you make them the most
or hide from your fears?

What would you do
in 5 short years?
Would you make them the most
or hide from your fears?
Our little Cory
chose to live
Every day with a smile
and love to give
Though stricken with cancer
before he was one
his journey through life
had only begun
No matter how bad
he might have felt
He always knew how
to make your heart melt
Living life to its fullest
Each day he Awoke
He could make you smile
Every time he spoke
He filled the room
with laughter and tears
And touched many lives
in his 5 short years

He had a surprise
if you took his hand
then walk you outside
to his baseball land
It was the game he loved
more than anyone you know
Once his bat in hand
He'd put on a show
He would talk of his pets
if you'd lend him an ear
or anything else
you'd take time to hear
There were no strangers
to Cory Duane
He cared for everyone
no matter their name
The most amazing child
for such a young man
He looked up to his father
---- His biggest fan
When he was picked up at school
he beat all the kids out
with his arms opened wide
"That's my Dad" he would shout

They would wait on his brother
before going home with Dad
And spend the whole weekend playing
with every toy he had
He would tease his brothers
in his superman Jammies
and rock his guitar
like those at the Grammy's
Course Nana and Papa
would often stop by
to see that their "Precious"
was doing alright
At the close of day
He'd ask "Pat my Butt"
Knowing you'd take time
no matter what
He fought hard to beat
the disease he had
And would never complain
of feeling bad
It's certainly not fair
the battle he fought
All those who knew him
took in what he taught
For those who missed out
on life's smallest lesson
We're sorry you missed out
on our biggest blessing
For someone so young
his heart was of Gold
You would never have known
he was just 5 years old

More...
Go To Poem Page
- Stories 18
- Shares 422
- Favorited 19
- Votes 151
- Rating 4.78
Featured Shared Story

I have 2 really good friends who were diagnosed with cancer. It sucks. One girl was only 9 years old and fought. She won, but now has to take therapy.

Share your story! (18)
14. Thanking God For My Sister
- By Diane Gardner
- Published by Family Friend Poems May 2011
This is for my sister who has a brain tumor.

Sister Has A Brain Tumor

I thank God for my sister
She's as awesome as can be
No one can replace her
She's in my heart you see

I thank God for my sister
She's as awesome as can be
No one can replace her
She's in my heart you see
We are friends forever
In good times and in bad
I may have to let her go one day
I'll try not to be sad
For I know where she is going
And for that I'm oh so glad
She's going to be with God
And in His arms she'll go
He will wrap His arms around her
and love her this I know
Thank you Lord for my sister
For the time you have given us
I will enjoy her 'till you take her home
And in you Lord I will trust
More...
Go To Poem Page
- Stories 3
- Shares 174
- Favorited 3
- Votes 21
- Rating 4.71
Featured Shared Story

My sister has a brain tumor. Well actually she has 9, and about 30 on her spine, she has NF2. I don't believe in God though. All I believe is that life is random, cruel and painful.

Share your story! (3)
15. My Special Sister Vicki
- By Barbara Looney
- Published by Family Friend Poems June 2007
My sister dealt with breast cancer with the utmost dignity and courage we all admired.

Sister Fighting Breast Cancer

My special sister, I want you to know how much you mean to me.
My special sister has strength and courage her whole family can see.
My special sister showed us all how to handle life's blows.
My special sister took it all in stride, smiled, and said, "That's how it goes."

My special sister, I want you to know how much you mean to me.
My special sister has strength and courage her whole family can see.
My special sister showed us all how to handle life's blows.
My special sister took it all in stride, smiled, and said, "That's how it goes."
My special sister, through all her pain, never once gave up or complained.
My special sister has dignity, warmth, and inner beauty that can't be explained.
My special sister, with all she was going through, always thought of others.
My special sister always took time to give of herself to friends, sisters and brothers.
My special sister was always there with her kind thoughts, deeds, and caring.
My special sister is well-known and loved for her capacity for sharing.
My special sister needs to know how much she means to those who love her, especially me.
My special sister's strength, courage, and beauty are a shining example for all to see.
My special sister has carried a heavy burden for quite a long while.
My special sister would not allow us to share any of her pain but always her smile.
My special sister is surely a guardian angel sent from above.
My special sister, these heartfelt words are for you, from all of us who care, with all our love.
More...
Go To Poem Page
- Stories 13
- Shares 760
- Favorited 8
- Votes 103
- Rating 4.55
Featured Shared Story

I cried like a baby while reading this poem. I was the care giver to a very good friend of mine, Peggy Sue Smith. She was given the awful news that she six months without treatment to one...

Read complete story

Share your story! (13)
16. Walking On The Edge Of Life
- By Lorna Mahan
- Published by Family Friend Poems November 2007
We found out in May 2007 that my 13 year old son Sinjin has Cancer Burkitts Lymphoma. He has endured countless rounds of chemo and is fighting this heart and soul. He and I wrote this poem together after he told me, "It is like the world is moving forward and I am standing still". I have since have written many poems about cancer it helps me get through this without falling apart. I need to be now more than ever strong for my son. He has show us nothing but Strength and Courage since this monster came into our lives and we stand united with him in this fight. Living strong with courage, faith and hope. Sinjin and Lorna ©2007 By Lorna Mahan & Sinjin Andrukates

Poem From Child With Cancer

The world keeps moving forward
as time stands still for me,
I am the kid with Cancer,
locked in battle to be free.

The world keeps moving forward
as time stands still for me,
I am the kid with Cancer,
locked in battle to be free.
For all us kids on chemo
our lives are put on hold,
As we fight to stay alive,
our chances good were told.
Our attitude is courage
we live this life each day,
Just waiting for tomorrow,
praying cancer goes away.
Walking on the edge of life
We're never looking down,
United here in front of you,
until a cure is found.
More...
Go To Poem Page
- Stories 11
- Shares 236
- Favorited 10
- Votes 78
- Rating 4.55
Featured Shared Story

My grandson, who's not even 3 years old yet, was just diagnosed with Stage 4 Neuroblastoma. We don't know how much time he has. They tell us he doesn't have the mutated gene, which is good,...

Read complete story

Share your story! (11)
17. Life's Lessons
- By Amanda
- Published by Family Friend Poems August 2008
A poem from a daughter to her mother written the morning after she lost her 48-year-old mom to a 5 year battle with various cancers.

To My Mother Who Died From Cancer

It's not fair, I just can't let go.
I sit here and plead, why must she go?

She is my everything, my mom and my best friend.

It's not fair, I just can't let go.
I sit here and plead, why must she go?

She is my everything, my mom and my best friend.
Now that you have taken her, where do I begin?

Mom lived her life for others, giving until no end.
She's the one who told us to stand up and defend.
Defend our truths,
Defend our rights and live as we dream,
Defend the right to live our life
Any way we see.

You taught me life's lessons
And undivided love
Right from the beginning
When you told me not to shove.

Cuts and scrapes, bumps and bruises
Required all your love.
Calming me when I was upset
About who stole my favorite gloves.

Fresh baked bread in the morning,
Cookies in the afternoon,
Watching mom cook and bake.
There's nothing I'd rather do
To have that chance, to have her back,
Even the smell of her perfume.
A mother's touch, her soothing words
To hear her say, "I love you."

You lost a strong fight against cancer.
Let it be what may.
Even on your hardest days, you'd say,
"I'm just having a no hair day."

Someday I will see you again.
Not soon enough, I know.
I do my best to look past the how, look past the why.
Why so soon must you go?

You came, you loved, you conquered.
This I hope you see
The only question I ask of you is,
Are you proud of me?
More...
Go To Poem Page
- Stories 26
- Shares 620
- Favorited 22
- Votes 144
- Rating 4.41
Featured Shared Story

I am now nearly 16, and I lost my mum to a 3 year battle of Secondary Glioblastoma when I was only 9. She was 39 when she passed. This poem has quickly become more important to me than any of...

Read complete story

Share your story! (26)
18. She's A Survivor
- By Harshita Khera
- Published by Family Friend Poems June 2018
This poem was very enlightening for me, having read thousands of cases of cancer and stories about people's struggle, even some cases in my family makes it really close to my heart.

She opens her eyes to a new day
A new beginning for some
But for her it's the same fight
The same battle in her mind

She opens her eyes to a new day
A new beginning for some
But for her it's the same fight
The same battle in her mind
But today there's a change
Today she is determined
Today she has made up her mind
That she is going to rise over it
As she gets ready for the day
She puts a bandana on her bald head
As she moves out from the room
To her driveway
A school bus passes her by
As she wishes to ride it someday
But for now it's going to be her mom's car
That she enters with a sad smile
Her mother smiling back at her
As she drives her to the same place
Those pale walls which are now too familiar
She goes towards the ward
As a nurse seats her on the bed
Then she changes in those hospital scrubs
As the nurse prepares her drip
She inserts a needle in her hand
The nurse's hands handling the bag,
Are covered with thick gloves
The same bag,
From which the fluid flows into her bare veins
Her session ends as she wakes up from sleep
And changes back into her clothes
As she promises to come back the next day
She walks out of the hospital
And again that yellow bus passes her by
And now she doesn't wish but she knows
She'll be on it someday
And that gives her the hope
To survive another day...!
More...
Go To Poem Page
- Stories 0
- Shares 108
- Favorited 1
- Votes 22
- Rating 4.41
Featured Shared Story

No Stories yet, You can be the first!

Share your story! (0)
19. My Wish
- By Shelliegh Southard
- Published by Family Friend Poems January 2008
I wrote this poem after my son was diagnosed at 4 with a rare brain stem cancer. As a mom, this was MY WISH

Baby With Cancer Poem

My wish this year
Is for you to remain here
I wouldn't know what to do
If forced to lose you

My wish this year
Is for you to remain here
I wouldn't know what to do
If forced to lose you

That beautiful smile on your face
Always illuminates a gloomy place
The love that you show me
The way you try to make me see

You will always be my baby boy
That sparkle in your eyes gives me joy
Holding you from the moment you were born
Memories will be comfort, when it's time to mourn

When it's time for you to leave
It will be hard for me to believe
I hope you will feel my last touch
Baby boy, I will miss you so much

If I have to say goodbye
All I will do is cry
Watching my little boy go
My heart will ache with sorrow

When you're gone watch over me
Baby boy make me see
The wings that you earn,
and also the message, I need to learn

My wish this year
Is for you to remain here
I wouldn't know what to do
If forced to lose you

My baby boy
I will always love you
More...
Go To Poem Page
- Stories 14
- Shares 79
- Favorited 5
- Votes 32
- Rating 4.34
Featured Shared Story

My son was 9 years old when he was diagnosed with Meduallblastoma stage 4. He went through radiation. At Age 16 1/2 it came back from radiation on his spine glioblastoma (inoperable). Sadly,...

Read complete story

Share your story! (14)
20. Cancer Stole My Friend
- By Serena Oritz
- Published by Family Friend Poems February 2016
Ever feel like cancer stole your friend? Ever think if cancer only knew what a great person your friend was, maybe it wouldn't have taken them?

Poem More Time With Friend Who Has Died

Cancer took my best friend, don't you see?
Time was a ticking bomb thrust in me.
Did black cats traverse my way?
Did bad luck linger over me day to day?

Cancer took my best friend, don't you see?
Time was a ticking bomb thrust in me.
Did black cats traverse my way?
Did bad luck linger over me day to day?
If cancer would have examined my heart,
Would angels be grabbing you to depart?
If I knew our bond was made of an hour glass,
I'd pile stacks of love around your heart, make cancer pass
To give me those last ticking moments and make them exquisite,
Make our friendship stand on cement for us no longer having to split.
If cancer had any idea what beauty laid within your soul,
I can promise it would have seen the glow.
I saw it the moment we became friends.
Tick...tick...tock...my heart will burst when time ends.
Silence began moments ago,
When a voice said its time to let go.
No!...please!...no!
Tick...
Tick...
Tock...
I could not stop the
Clock...
Cancer stole my
Friend.
More...
Go To Poem Page
- Stories 3
- Shares 149
- Favorited 13
- Votes 40
- Rating 3.95
Featured Shared Story

I lost my best friend to a brain tumor on the 24th of October 2015, so it's been a year since she's been gone. But, man, it feels like it happened just yesterday, as I still cry to this day...

Read complete story

Share your story! (3)

1 - 20 of 47 Poems

What should you trust Family Friend Poems?

Experience Family Friend Poems has been an online poetry publisher, specializing in contemporary poetry, for over 15+ years.
Expertise With 125,000+ submissions reviewed and 8,000+ poem published, we are experts in curating the most popular and high quality poems for our readers.
Trustworthy We only accept unpublished poems that have been directly submitted to us by the poet. This ensures that each poem in our collection is authentic and original. We are granted non-exclusive publishing rights from every poet.
Submit Your Poem
Reliable We are very good at publishing contemporary poems that readers love. It's our specialty. In fact, many well-known website include our poems in lists such as "Top 50 Poems Everyone Should Read".

Are you a poet?

Give and Receive Feedback

Be a part of our Poet Community

Join Our FFP Poetry Forums

Seasonal Poetry Collections

Cancer Poems

Cancer's Journey: Poems from Patients and Loved Ones Fighting Cancer

47 Poems about Losing a Loved One to Cancer

1. Daddy, Don't Be Scared

I'm 14 and This is a poem I wrote about my experience when my dad had cancer two years ago.

2. Our Hearts Will Always Touch

3. Goodnight Our Hero

Dedicated to the memory of our beautiful son Danny who died of cancer March 10, 2007, aged 13. A truly remarkable, loving, and inspirational child.

4. A Stranger Comes To Call

5. God Can You Hear Me?

This was just how I felt the last few weeks of my Dad's battle with prostate cancer. I knew in my head that he was not going to get better, but my heart was telling me otherwise. I always had hope, but it soon ran out.

6. To My Mom

I wrote this poem one month before my mom passed away from cancer. I was 18 years old and about to graduate from high school. My mom, Rebecca King, was the strongest, most amazing woman I have ever known.

7. Cancer

8. Pink Ribbon

Hi, my name is Kevin, and I lost my wife over 6 years ago, and I still miss and think of her every day. She died of breast cancer at the age of 46, leaving behind four children who loved her very much.

9. To My 2-Year-Old Little Girl Fighting Cancer

10. Good Mommy

You can't prepare for the harshness and reality of the sickness and death of your Mother.

11. Battling Cancer

12. Floundering

13. 5 Years Old

14. Thanking God For My Sister

This is for my sister who has a brain tumor.

15. My Special Sister Vicki

My sister dealt with breast cancer with the utmost dignity and courage we all admired.

16. Walking On The Edge Of Life

17. Life's Lessons

A poem from a daughter to her mother written the morning after she lost her 48-year-old mom to a 5 year battle with various cancers.

18. She's A Survivor

This poem was very enlightening for me, having read thousands of cases of cancer and stories about people's struggle, even some cases in my family makes it really close to my heart.

19. My Wish

I wrote this poem after my son was diagnosed at 4 with a rare brain stem cancer. As a mom, this was MY WISH

20. Cancer Stole My Friend

Ever feel like cancer stole your friend? Ever think if cancer only knew what a great person your friend was, maybe it wouldn't have taken them?