By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
  • Health
    • Mental Health
  • Policy and Law
    • Global Healthcare
    • Medical Ethics
  • Medical Innovations
  • News
  • Wellness
  • Tech
Search
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Reading: Cancer Care: Tips for Loved Ones
Share
Notification Show More
Font ResizerAa
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
Font ResizerAa
Search
Follow US
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Health Works Collective > Specialties > Cancer > Cancer Care: Tips for Loved Ones
Cancer

Cancer Care: Tips for Loved Ones

Heidi Hayes
Heidi Hayes
Share
5 Min Read
Cancer Care: Tips for Loved Ones
SHARE

It’s difficult enough to hear the news that a loved one is stricken with cancer. For many families, that seems to indicate a loss of hope, especially if it’s the type of cancer with a high mortality rate. Then again, it won’t help if you give up right away. The chances of surviving can increase when optimal care and attention are provided.

Contents
  • 1. Provide emotional support
  • 2. Assist with daily tasks
  • 3. Practice self-care
  • 4. Get professional help
  • 5. Communicate with other loved ones
  • Endnote

Family members have a vital role to play throughout a loved one’s experience with cancer. From diagnosis to eventual recovery, they can help make the ordeal less stressful so long as they take the right steps in caring for the patient and themselves. If you have a loved one with cancer, here’s a guide to help you make the most of your role as an immediate carer:

1. Provide emotional support

The psychological stress cancer patients experience can only worsen their condition. Not only does the entire process amplify the risk of depression but the stress it entails can decrease treatment effectiveness. In one study published on the National Cancer Institute website, stress is known to produce hormones that slow down tumor death and increase resistance to chemotherapy. You can play an essential role in helping your loved one deal with stress by talking to them and sharing words of encouragement. The less lonely they feel, the less stressed out they become as they continue with their treatment.

2. Assist with daily tasks

Living with cancer can be challenging for your loved one but that’s not to say that you should keep them from doing anything productive each day. In most cases, they can handle simple tasks with very minimal assistance.

However, in cases when physical exertion is needed and your loved one has just finished a chemotherapy session, you may have to step in and handle everything that needs to be done at home. You can also help your loved one with other tasks such as managing medication, planning meals, and managing appointment schedules. 

More Read

Cancer in Someone Hairier Than Me and You
Riding the Road to Recovery – benefits of exercise during cancer treatment
Prostate Cancer: Wishing for Clear Answers Where There Are Few
Yale Spinoff Licenses HER3 Cancer Drug from MedImmune
Targeted Therapies Improve Cancer Treatment – Sometimes Dramatically

3. Practice self-care

The main challenge you face as your loved one’s immediate care is stress. Even if you think you’re highly committed to helping them out, you shouldn’t ignore the fact that your responsibilities as a carer will weigh heavy on your mental health.

With this in mind, it matters to give yourself ample time to rest and ask someone else to stand in. You can also seek out support groups where you can get valuable advice in dealing with the demands of the job. Keep in mind that you can only provide quality care for your loved one if you’re able to adequately care for yourself.

4. Get professional help

You might think you’re the only person capable of caring for your loved one who has cancer but there are aspects of caregiving that are best handled with the aid of a more experienced mentor.

If your loved one has contracted mesothelioma resulting from asbestos exposure, look for a center that will connect you to relevant practitioners and provide you with valuable resources. You might also want to consider hiring a professional caregiver if your loved one is in their senior years.

5. Communicate with other loved ones

Throughout the experience, relationships with your family may undergo drastic shifts in response to your loved one’s battle with cancer. As new roles and responsibilities are defined, it matters to realize that everyone is in the same boat.

Don’t take on the role exclusively. Instead, talk to the other members of your family and discuss how you can navigate around the challenge together. It takes a close bond to help your loved one feel less lonely and more hopeful as they make their way towards a full recovery.

Endnote

Dealing with a loved one stricken with cancer can be emotionally and physically draining. Then again, considering how much the person means to you, you can go the extra mile and give your loved one a fighting chance.

TAGGED:cancercancer carecancer diagnosis
Share This Article
Facebook Copy Link Print
Share

Stay Connected

1.5kFollowersLike
4.5kFollowersFollow
2.8kFollowersPin
136kSubscribersSubscribe

Latest News

dental care
Importance of Good Dental Care for Health and Confidence
Dental health Specialties
October 2, 2025
AI in Healthcare
AI in Healthcare: Technology is Transforming the Global Landscape
Global Healthcare Policy & Law Technology
October 1, 2025
Choosing the Right Swimwear for Health and Safety
News
September 30, 2025
sports concussions
Concussion In Sports: How Common They Are And What You Need To Know
Infographics
September 28, 2025

You Might also Like

September is Cancer Awareness Month For Five Cancers. . .

August 31, 2012

What to Tell Our Kids About Cancer

May 15, 2012
spices for nutrition
Wellness

Spice Up Your Diet

September 21, 2013
aspirin cancer connection
Public HealthSpecialtiesWellness

Can Aspirin Protect Against Cancer?

September 10, 2013
Subscribe
Subscribe to our newsletter to get our newest articles instantly!
Follow US
© 2008-2025 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?