Certain challenges can be unique to a specific kind of cancer, so wherever possible, we list caregiver resources on each cancer page. Connecting with people facing the same challenges is important, because they understand better than anyone else can.
But some challenges are pretty universal. Or at least universal to cancer patients. Like the effects of chemotherapy or radiation, and the difficulty controlling the pain.
And it’s not always easy to find information or groups specific to some of the less common or less well funded cancers. And when you do, they may not be very active.
You may also have financial hardships due to your caretaking role. Or maybe you just can’t do everything yourself anymore.
Luckily, there are plenty of other sources of information and support. This page lists resources for people caring for someone with any kind of cancer diagnosis (and in some cases any diagnosis at all).
So if the caregiver resources listed on a specific page aren’t a good fit for you (or there aren’t any listed for the cancer you’re dealing with), try some of these.
Don’t feel guilty spending a little extra time looking for the right support for yourself. When you feel empowered and supported, you can do a better job helping your loved one feel supported, too.
Not sure how to be the caregiver your loved one needs? These articles, guides and booklets can help.
Strength for Caring: A wealth of information and support for people caring for loved ones with cancer.
If You’re About to Become a Cancer Caregiver: This page from the American Cancer Society can help you understand what to expect as a caregiver, the importance of taking care of yourself and when to admit you need more help.
Supporting a Loved One: From the MD Anderson Cancer Center, this guide offers advice on caregiver roles & challenges, taking care of yourself, and more.
Caregiver Action Network: This organization providers education, support and more to caregivers in any situation. Whether you’re new to caregiving, have been doing it for years, or want to know how you can help when you live far away, you’ll find information you can use.
Support for Caregivers of Cancer Patients: This page, from the National Cancer Institute, offers advice on how to take care of yourself while taking care of your loved one. It also offers advice on long-distance caregiving. And it links to additional online guides for dealing with advanced cancer and other issues. There’s also a guide aimed at teens.
CancerCare support groups: Find online, telephone and, if you live near one of their offices, in-person support groups for people caring for cancer patients. Most are general groups, but a few of the online groups do focus on specific cancers.
Cancer Support Community: This organization offers both in-person and online support for cancer patients and their caregivers. There are physical CSC locations (including affiliates) around the country, but anyone touched by cancer can join the online groups.
CancerCompass Caregivers Discussions : A fairly active, friendly message board. It also has separate sections for Lifestyle, Support, Tips and Bereavement discussions. Anyone can read the threads, but you have to be logged in to post or reply.
Imerman Angels: This organization connects caregivers and patients with one-on-one support. They match you with another caregiver who is similar to you (age, gender, type of cancer) to help guide you and provide inspiration. The service is free.
My Cancer Circle: If you’re part of a team of caregivers, this site gives you a place to create your own community to coordinate activities (meals, medical appointments, etc), talk with each other and post updates.
Parents of children with cancer have an especially tough role. The American Cancer Society’s When Your Child Has Cancer guide offers information to help parents cope when their child gets a cancer diagnosis. This page links to guides on topics ranging from dealing with the initial diagnosis to going back to school and understanding the lasting effects treatment may have.
Coping during treatment and recovery is different from coping when the diagnosis is terminal. Hope for the future is gone, and you, your loved one, and the rest of the family must figure out how to say goodbye.
The Neptune Society has an excellent article on this topic. Preparing for the Death of a Terminally-Ill Love One covers what you may experience from the patient, your family members, and even yourself. It also includes a section on how to talk with kids about what’s happening.
Create a Peaceful At-Home Hospice for Your Loved One: If your loved one would like to stay at home—and it’s a viable option—you can take some steps to make the home safe and soothing for his or her final days. This guide also links to several other excellent resources.