Carers

This information is for people who are looking after someone with cancer.

You may still be adjusting to the news that someone you know has cancer and that you could become their carer. It’s natural to be worried about the demands that come with a caring role, and the impact this might have on your life.

Caring involves managing both your own physical and emotional needs and those of the person you are caring for. We offer practical tips on navigating the experience of cancer while balancing the demands of caring, family, work and your own needs.

Learn more about:

Listen to our podcasts on How to Help Someone with Cancer, Cancer Affects the Carer Too and Caring for Someone with Advanced Cancer

This information was last reviewed in September 2020. View who reviewed this content.

Dr Laura Kirsten, Principal Clinical Psychologist, Nepean Cancer Care Centre, NSW; Mary Bairstow, Senior Social Worker, Cancer Centre, Fiona Stanley Hospital, WA; Anne Booms, Nurse Practitioner – Supportive and Palliative Care, Icon Cancer Centre Midland, WA; Dr Erica Cameron-Taylor, Staff Specialist, Department of Palliative Care, Mercy Hospice, Calvary Mater Newcastle, NSW; Tracey Gardner, Senior Psychologist, Cancer Counselling Service, Cancer Council Queensland; Louise Good, Cancer Nurse Consultant, WA; Verity Jausnik, Senior Policy Officer, Carers Australia; David Larkin, Cancer Supportive Care Manager, Canberra Region Cancer Centre, Canberra Hospital and Health Service, ACT; Kate Martin, Consumer; John McMath, Consumer; Simone Noelker, Physiotherapist and Wellness Centre Coordinator, Ballarat Regional Integrated Cancer Centre, VIC; Tara Redemski, Senior Physiotherapist – Cancer Care, Gold Coast University Hospital, QLD; Dean Rowe, Consumer; Chris Sibthorpe, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council Queensland.

View the Cancer Council NSW editorial policy.