I first came across a What Cancer Cannot Do poem printable years ago when I was a hospice volunteer. Its beautiful words have encouraged me and I’ve been able to share it with others facing cancer in hopes it would provide them some peace as well. The poem was a great reminder when I was caring for my mother-in-law that even though cancer had ravaged her body and would eventually take her life, it couldn’t touch the incredible love and memories that we’d shared over the 17 years I’d been in the family and especially the precious time we had together in her last year.
In case you haven’t read it before, it’s called ‘What Cancer Cannot Do’, and I’ve copied it here for you.
What Cancer Cannot Do
WHAT CANCER CANNOT DO
Cancer is so limited….
It cannot cripple love,
It cannot shatter hope,
It cannot corrode faith,
It cannot destroy peace,
It cannot kill friendship,
It cannot suppress memories,
It cannot silent courage,
It cannot invade the soul,
It cannot steal eternal life,
It cannot conquer the spirit.
– Author Unknown
I especially love the last line – “it cannot conquer the spirit”. This is so very true.
This popular poem is sometimes attributed to Ann Landers, the newspaper advice columnist. But that’s not true. The poem was printed in Ann Landers column on December 30, 1994. However, a reader from Quebec had sent it to Ann after seeing it in his local paper. Even then the author was unknown. The reader suggested that Ann’s audience would enjoy the reassuring words. Thankfully, she reprinted the beautiful poem so even more people could be encouraged.
‘What Cancer Cannot Do’ can be found on a number of items for cancer patients, including blankets, coffee mugs, or wall art print. I wanted you to have your own copy of the poem, so you can hang it on a wall, put it in your medical binder, or post it around the house so that you too, can be encouraged and remember that no matter what it may seem like cancer has taken, there are so many things that it cannot touch. If your good friend has cancer, then print out a copy for them.
Click this link for a free ‘What Cancer Cannot Do’ poem printable. There are six simple design options, so you can select whichever you like the best. There’s no opt-in required (though I’d love if you join our members-only resource library!). I hope you enjoy the inspirational poem and that it brings some comfort and strength to your day.
