Cancer Care's Section for Caregivers Cancer is a family affair. It affects the entire family and anyone else who is emotionally involved with the person with cancer. It can be overwhelming at times to both the person with cancer, as well as the family, emotionally, financially and physically. Caregivers play an essential role in society and in a cancer patient's life.
Caregivers provide vital and constant care to a loved one.
Now more than ever, with our health care system care shifting to outpatient care, caregivers have become an extension to the health care team. Because of this, family members or friends are taking on an increasing responsibility for providing care, that were usually carried out by health care professionals. Caregivers are being relied upon to provide support and encouragement to the person with cancer, as well as to administer medications, help control symptoms and side effects, provide proper nutrition, and to report any problems to the doctor or health care provider. Many families and friends are willing to accept this role as a caregiver because of the love and devotion felt for the person with cancer. There are many different ways of fulfilling your role as a caregiver, depending on your individual situation.