Caring for someone with cancer

You may be reading this because you are caring for someone with cancer. The person you’re caring for may be interested in taking part in research. Depending on the type of research, it is usually recommended that carers read about the study themselves and talk it over with the person who has cancer. You can also discuss the study with the clinical trials or research nurse.

While the decision to participate lies with the person who has cancer (unless they’re under 18), it’s important that you, as the carer, know what impact the study might have on the participant, and on you and your family. For example, you may have to take extra time off work to drive the person you’re caring for to appointments, or you may be worried about how the treatment will affect them. Check with the clinical trials or research nurse whether you can be reimbursed for costs associated with helping the person to participate in the study.

Being involved in research may offer the person with cancer an opportunity to have a promising new treatment or other useful supportive care options. It may be satisfying to know that their participation will help others in the future.

Weighing up these options – and just being a carer in general – can be very stressful. Try to look after yourself by giving yourself some time out, and sharing your worries and concerns with a counsellor or your doctor. To find local support services, information and resources contact the Carer Gateway (call 1800 422 737), Carers NSW (call 1800 242 636) or Cancer Council 13 11 20.

For more on this, see Caring for Someone with Cancer.