What to say to a person with cancer

I just read an article in the New York Times on what to say when talking to a person with cancer.  I've been doing it all wrong and so glad I read it.  In essence, you don't come off in a pitying manner, or by asking how it's going.  The correct response is to offer to help with any number of tasks.  "How Can I Help?" will go farther than saying, "Oh, I'm so sorry. What kind of cancer do you have? My friend had the same cancer and she...."  WRONG. Offering help is right!