A cancer diagnosis can upturn one’s world in an instant. Everyday stressors can become magnified and on an especially tough day, a thoughtless comment from a coworker can become triggering. When you’re navigating work after a cancer diagnosis, there are bound to be moments where words miss the mark so knowing how to make a good apology can play an important role in keeping professional relationships strong.

In a recent Fast Company article, UT Austin professor, Art Markman, walks through what makes an apology truly meaningful. Here are the highlights:

1. Accept responsibility: Be clear about what you’re apologizing for.

2. Mean what you say: A simple “I’m sorry” can go a long way when it’s genuine.

3. Explain how things will change: Share what you’ll do differently in the future.

For someone that has already disclosed at work and wants to apologize for their short temper or missing the deadlines due to treatment related side-effects, this may sound like:

“I’m sorry about yesterday. Treatment has been difficult lately, but I am working on a plan to pace myself better.”

For someone in the same situation that has not disclosed widely or decided not to disclose at all, keeping the reasoning vague does not take away from a good apology. You might say:

“I’m sorry about yesterday. I have a lot going on a home right now, but I am working on a plan to manage my workload better.”

And when accepting an apology from someone else at work, it can help to be clear on what it is you need; you can accept the apology and move on or take the opportunity to set boundaries. Something like:

“I appreciate your apology. In the future, I would prefer my health status is not mentioned unless I bring it up.”

An apology is not a cure all, but it is a great start to help ease tensions, build trust and remind us that compassion matters.

For more information on how to navigate relationships at work after a cancer diagnosis, check out our At Work section.