Key takeaways
- Caring for someone with cancer is challenging. It’s important to remember that you need support too, and to know where to look for it
- Emotional support can be invaluable for both you and the person you care for
- Many charities provide free support, advice about finances, and run support groups and forums you can get involved in
- Remember to ask for help from family and friends, and tell them where you could use an extra pair of hands
The assistance you give to the person you care for is likely to vary depending on your relationship with them, their needs and your health. Regardless of the circumstances, caring for someone with cancer can be hard. You’ll likely feel a range of emotions and have days where juggling their care alongside work, home and family is tough. Support for the relatives of cancer patients is important too.
Emotional support
Macmillan offers support for carers, whether they just want someone to listen, someone to chat to or help from a professional counsellor.
Free support
There are a range of charities and organisations, including Maggie’s and Carers Trust, that have free support for cancer patients and their carers.
Financial support
Macmillian can provide details of grants and loans, and Carer’s Allowance, and have a free phone line. The Citizen’s Advice provides advice on welfare benefits for those affected by cancer.
Support groups and forums
Cancer Research has a 24-hour Cancer Chat forum while Carers UK is a hub of information for cancer patients and their families. You will also find support groups and forums online for specific types of cancer that you and your loved one can use such as Blood Cancer UK, Pancreatic Cancer UK and Breast Cancer Now.
Additional resources
Marie Curie offers in house help from volunteers, free nursing support and end of life care.
Remember to ask for help from family and friends
It can be beneficial to reach out to your wider circle of family and friends to see if they can offer some help. Take time to identify your capabilities and limitations and make decisions about where you could benefit from an extra pair of hands.
While we have ensured that every article is medically reviewed and approved, information presented here is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any questions or concerns, please talk to one of our healthcare professionals or your primary healthcare team.