Last week, on Facebook and Instagram we asked how you’d (kindly) respond to the question, “Wow, you don’t look sick!” We got quite a few awesome ideas from a wide range of viewpoints.  While a simple, “thank you,” often seems to be the easiest response, we thought we’d compile some of the highlights. Check out below and leave your suggestions in the comments!

Empathy

“Most people don’t know how to talk to someone with cancer. I think this is their way of trying to make you feel better. I always said, ‘Thank you.’” – Shelia, Facebook “I choose to take it as a compliment and say thank you, today is a good day. A little make up can do wonders! I truly believe most people do not mean it as an accusation. It's just a fact that some chronic illnesses can be invisible.” – Monnie, Facebook “It's a compliment. There are days of feeling worse than ever, but I'm thankful I can look good enough for people to tell me.” – Alice, Facebook

Don’t Judge a Book By Its Cover

“My husband has never "looked sick" until he got extremely sick over the summer and continued until just after Christmas. I never respond especially to his step-mom. Nor anyone else. Cancer doesn't have a look. It's the new, "are you pregnant/how far along are you," actually. Don't assume.” – Sandraah, Facebook “I politely remind them of "don’t judge a book by its cover.”  Some people may appear to be young, fit, and to be in perfect health but that is just a cover. Internally they may have organ failure, cancer, autoimmune diseases, suffer symptoms like rapid weight loss, blood loss, seizures, and be on treatments like chemo or TNF blockers. Then I end off by saying once again- so remember to never judge a book by its cover, you don’t know what may be going on internally.” – Catherine, Facebook “I had that said to me a lot, and my respone was, “That’s good because I certainly feel really sick.” That’s not what I wanted to say, but itw as a lot more diplomatic.” - @queenbellav, Instagram

Humor

“Maybe it’s Maybeline?!” with a smile!” – @kjay817, Instagram “Well, thank you so much! But if you came and cleaned my toilet every couple of days, you’d think differently!” – Melanie, Facebook “I say, ‘You don't look like a doctor!’” – Mark, Facebook “I say, "I know don't I look glamorous!!!!" They don't know what to say after that.” – Melanie, Facebook Don’t forget, the Colon Cancer Alliance serves as a source of information about colon health. If you have additional questions about colon cancer screening or are in need of support, please contact our free Helpline at (877) 422-2030. We’re here to help.