Fighting, coping, or surrender?

I'm thinking about cancer. No, this is not my own matter now, though probably become matter in future. I would like to prepare for it mentally, to prevent falling into a panic.
Many people applaud those who have fought against cancer, even if they failed in vein. Trying new therapy and bearing side-effect (major-effect?) of anti-cancer agent may look so brave but awful for me. I might try to seek a sub-best solution in some ways of coping with cancer, rather than making my mind up to fight them. Off course I would not want to surrender.
Next week I will visit my father suffering from prostate cancer. How can I cheer him up, and how can I let him cope with the diseases? He is old enough. He should not take a risk to suffer from awful pain. How can he keep his quality of life? Not so easy questions....