Here's a little trick...
When you smell something's wrong with a person. You would like to ask "What happen?"
There is a minority who doesn't need that question. They'd rather hear you ask "Are you still holding up?"
All they want you to know is they are not okay, but they're trying to fight. Whether they would survive or not.
Don't push them to say anything else. The battle is between them and theirselves. They don't expect you to solve their problem. Sometimes, they do already know the answer. Don't give them false hope or meaningless advices, just keep them in your prayers.