What is a Cancer Caregiver?
During cancer treatment, the main focus is on the patient. However, a cancer diagnosis affects the entire family, including caregivers. A caregiver is any person who supports a patient during treatment; this can be a spouse, partner, sibling, son, daughter, or friend. Being a caregiver to a person with cancer comes with a set of challenges, as the caregiver’s needs can often be overlooked. While concerned with a loved one’s physical and emotional health and needs, caregivers are likely balancing this responsibly with their own obligations such as family and work. It is important for the caregiver to keep their body and mind healthy in order to provide the best care to the patient.
Caring for Loved Ones with Cancer
Aubrey Reichard-Eline, associate director of development and member of the Patient and Family Advisory Council at Rutgers Cancer Institute shares more about her experience with cancer caregiving.
Mental and Physical Health While Being a Cancer Caregiver
Prioritizing self-care not only helps to maintain your well-being, but it ensures that you are better equipped to provide effective support.
The Biggest Challenges of Being a Cancer Caregiver
Navigating the role of a cancer caregiver comes with a unique set of challenges. It's essential for caregivers to remember that they are not alone, and seeking support can provide valuable assistance during this journey.
Managing Work and Social Life as a Cancer Caregiver
Balancing your professional and social life while being a cancer caregiver demands careful planning and communication. Maintaining a sense of "normal" can help caregivers navigate this journey while ensuring financial and emotional health.
Preparing and Researching as a Cancer Caregiver
Diving into the specifics of the patient's diagnosis, treatment options, and potential side effects provides caregivers the knowledge necessary to make well-informed decisions and actively participate in the patient's care.
Advice for Cancer Caregivers
Finding a spokesperson to communicate through, avoiding unguided internet research, and being honest about your needs are three vital tips for cancer caregivers.
Additional Advice for Cancer Caregivers
Giving yourself space to recharge, processing your feelings, and asking for or accepting help are valuable methods to maintaining your well-being as a cancer caregiver.
Additional Resources
- American Cancer Society: Caregivers and Family - The American Cancer Society is the nationwide community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives, and diminishing suffering from cancer, through research, education, advocacy, and service. A wealth of information for caregivers will be found here.
- Also available in Spanish.
- CancerCare: Caregiving - CancerCare is a national organization providing free, professional support services and information to help people manage the emotional, practical and financial challenges of cancer.
- Cancer.Net: Caregiving - This is the patient information Web site of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO). A number of articles on different caregiving topics will be found here.
- Also available in Spanish.
- MedlinePlus: Caregivers - Developed by the National Library of Medicine, this consumer health site directs the user to selected online resources on many common diseases, conditions, and concerns.
- Also available in Spanish.
- National Cancer Institute: When Someone You Love Is Being Treated for Cancer - This informative site focuses on the caregiver's needs.
