You may be reading this because you are caring for someone with cancer. What this means for you will vary depending on the situation. Being a carer can bring a sense of satisfaction, but it can also be challenging and stressful. There is a wide range of support available to help you with the practical and emotional aspects of your caring role.
Looking after yourself
It is important to look after your own physical and emotional wellbeing. Make time each day to do something you find relaxing. Research shows that regular exercise can help with feelings of anger, stress, anxiety and depression. It can also improve fatigue and sleep. Even a brisk walk around the block offers benefits.
Talk about how you’re feeling
Share your concerns with somebody neutral such as a counsellor or your doctor. Counselling may be available through your local Cancer Council or the Carer Gateway counselling service. Call 1800 422 737.
Try complementary therapies
Some of the complementary therapies described here may help carers cope with stress and fatigue. Relaxation and meditation techniques can help carers maintain their energy levels and improve their quality of life. Listen to our relaxation and meditation podcast Finding Calm During Cancer or call 13 11 20 to see if your local Cancer Council provides relaxation and meditation recordings. You could also try a local yoga or tai chi class. Some people find meaning and comfort through spiritual practices. It may help to talk about your feelings with a spiritual care practitioner or religious leader.
Support services
Support services such as Meals on Wheels, home help or visiting nurses can help you in your caring role. You can find local services, as well as information and resources, through the Carer Gateway. Call 1800 422 737.
Support groups and programs
Many cancer support groups and cancer education programs are open to carers as well as to people with cancer. There are also face-to-face, internet and telephone support groups specially for carers. They offer the chance to share experiences and ways of coping. Call Cancer Council 13 11 20 to find out about carer support groups. To connect online with other carers, visit the Cancer Council Online Community.
Cancer Council
You can call Cancer Council 13 11 20 or visit your local Cancer Council website to find out more about carers’ services.
Learn more about caring for someone with cancer.
I joined a tai chi class organised through the Carers Association and also attended their support workshops and relaxation sessions. The encouragement from other carers gave me the confidence boost I needed.
Isabella (carer)
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Podcast: Cancer Affects the Carer Too
Listen to more episodes from our podcast for people affected by cancer
More resources
A/Prof Geraldine McDonald, Director Patient Experience and Wellbeing, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, VIC; Laura Carman, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council Victoria; A/Prof Christine Carrington, Senior Consultant Pharmacist Cancer Services, Princess Alexandra Hospital and Metro South Health and The University of Queensland, QLD; Kellie Giannarelli, Consumer; Dr Suzanne Grant, Senior Research Fellow, Integrative Oncology, NICM Health Research Institute, Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, NSW; Vivienne Hansen, Bush and Western Herbal Medicine Practitioner, WA; Karla Jaji, Administration Officer, Nepean Cancer and Wellness Centre, NSW; Dr Laura Kirsten, Senior Clinical Psychologist, Nepean Cancer Services, Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District, NSW; A/Prof Judith Lacey, Director of Supportive Care and Integrative Oncology, Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, NSW; Adjunct Professor Danforn Lim, Western Sydney University and University of Technology Sydney, NSW; Dr David Mizrahi, Senior Research Fellow and Accredited Exercise Physiologist, The Daffodil Centre, University of Sydney and Cancer Council NSW; Professor Avni Sali AM, Founder and Director, National Institute of Integrative Medicine, VIC; Gillian Thompson, Consumer; A/Prof Kate Webber, Medical Oncologist, Monash Health, VIC; Tanya Wells, Integrative Oncology Consultant and Naturopath, Melbourne Integrative Oncology Group, VIC; Prof Kate White, Professor Cancer Nursing, Cancer Care Research Unit, The Daffodil Centre, University of Sydney and Cancer Council NSW.
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