Families and Caregivers: Tips for Providing Support

A cancer diagnosis affects not only the person battling the disease, but also their friends and family. Providing support for a loved one or taking on the role of a caregiver for someone diagnosed with cancer can be an emotional and challenging time.

While it’s important to educate yourself on how to care for someone with cancer, it’s also important to learn how to take care of yourself during this difficult time. Below are a few tips for families and caregivers on providing support:

• Errands and tasks: Take care of any urgent errands your loved one may need. Some ideas include cleaning the house, bringing them lunch, buying groceries, bringing them to treatment appointments or picking up prescriptions.

• Visiting: For those who are not full-time caregivers, understand that cancer can be very isolating. Frequent visits may be a welcome distraction and help your loved one feel like they did before their cancer diagnosis.

• Find emotional support: Caregivers who take care of their own needs and find emotional support are better prepared to provide support for their loved ones. Click here for a helpful coping checklist from the American Cancer Society.

• Ask for help: Caregiving is often a full-time job that requires a range of support services and people to help make things less difficult and stressful. As a caregiver, you should never be afraid to ask for help from friends, family members or professionals.

For more helpful tips and resources for offering support to loved ones with cancer, visit the American Cancer Society

This is not intended as medical advice to replace the expertise and judgment of your health care team. It is intended to help you and your family make informed decisions, together with your doctor.