CancerQuest | Information for Caregivers

In this context, a caregiver is the person assisting a cancer patient. Most commonly caregivers are family members but they can also be a friend or neighbor. These people are part of a cancer patient's social support network. They can help with many things including giving rides to the doctor, running errands and providing emotional support. These actions are an invaluable service to the physical and emotional wellbeing of the person with cancer. In many cases however, caregivers do not pay enough attention to their own needs while attending to those of a loved one. If a caregiver puts his or her needs aside for too long, they themselves may start to suffer physiologically, emotionally and physically.

Preventing Social Isolation
Many people feel uncomfortable being around someone who is ill. This is common because facing illness forces people to acknowledge their own mortality. People undergoing cancer treatment may experience less social contact because of this. While undergoing treatment, patients may become isolated from their usual circle of friends; for this reason, caregivers are a vital source of interaction for people with cancer.

Talking to the person with cancer
It is best for caregivers to listen to the wants and needs of the person with cancer. Each person is different; some may want to talk about their issues, while others prefer to keep their feelings to themselves. At times patients may want to talk about their cancer and at other times they may want to talk about anything but their health.

Caregivers should also keep in mind that people with cancer will have good days and bad days. Being supportive throughout the entire process and keeping as normal of a lifestyle as possible is beneficial to someone with cancer. Humor is an important part of normal life and laughter can also be an extremely useful way to deal with the stress associated with cancer.

Dealing with their own emotions
Caregivers have their own strong emotional needs that should be addressed. Sharing feelings with a therapist, counselor or support group are all good ways to cope with distressing feelings or thoughts. Grief, anxiety and anger are normal emotions for caregivers to experience. Talking about and dealing with these emotions is important to a caregiver's wellbeing. ⁽¹⁾ ⁽²⁾