My mother found this poem after her breast cancer. We had artwork made so we could give it away. Read it, print a copy, or send the link to someone who needs it.
Some of what matters most is out of cancer's reach.
the poem
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 silence courage.
It cannot invade the soul.
It cannot steal eternal life.
It cannot conquer the Spirit.
What Cancer Cannot Doauthor unknown
We have never been able to find who wrote it. The poem has been passed from one person to the next for decades, usually with no name attached. If you know the author, please tell us so we can give them credit.
share the artwork
print it, send it, or put it on your site
If someone you love has just been diagnosed, this is an easy thing to send. The words fit inside a card, and the artwork can be printed for her fridge or her bedside.
You're welcome to print the artwork for personal use or send someone a link to this page.
We welcome direct links. If you would like to use our “What Cancer Cannot Do” artwork on your page, please copy and paste the embed code on your site. On a website, our image cannot be copied or used independent of the code.
how this poem came to us
My mother, Carol, came across the inspirational poem “What Cancer Cannot Do” after her own breast cancer in 1990. At a time when it felt like so much was lost, these verses reminded her of how many things cancer cannot touch.
For years we sold the poem on magnets and bookmarks that we bought from another company. Then we realized it was something we could give away. I created a contest where graphic designers and artists submitted their artistic interpretations of the poem, and I'm sharing the winner here. I hope that this poem brings you as much peace and comfort as it brought my mother.
what readers wrote
Readers have shared what this poem means to them since we first posted it in 2016.
“I'm grateful for your mother. After all these years she's still inspiring and helping others. I came across your site soon after my double mastectomy and I purchased many scarves. They made me feel beautiful at a time where I was unrecognizable in the mirror. It's been a year since my last chemo, and 6 months since my very last targeted treatment. This poem really resonates especially the line that cancer cannot invade the soul. At times it can certainly feel like it invades everything. I'm thankful for this reminder.”
Maritza J.
“Love your poem. It's encouraging for me as a cancer patient with stage 3 ovarian and stage 4 uterine. My only hope is that I am brought to remission for a while.”
Margie D.
“I have just finished my last chemo 3wks ago & started radiation last wk! ... It has been very challenging and difficult, but I can almost see the end of terrible Rx & starting anew! Thanks for beautiful poem.... so special!”
Patty G.
“A beautiful piece and so true! Thank you for sharing this.”
Theresa S.
Has this poem helped you or someone you love? Write to us and tell us about it.
why we care about this
helping women through cancer since 1995
My mother was a professional hairstylist when she went through breast cancer in 1990, and she could not find a pretty hat or a wig to wear. She made it through on limited options and made a vow: if she survived, she would make it easier for every woman who came after her. In 1995 she and I started Headcovers together.
Giving this poem away is a small part of keeping that promise. Every order we send still goes out with a quote magnet, and women write to us about the one they kept.
Sending a little hope to someone in treatment?Hats and wigs for her, or a gift from you.
written byDanielle Galland-YatesPresident of Headcovers. Designing and fitting wigs and headwear for women with cancer since 1995.page last updated October 2026
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