The Importance of Carers During Cancer Treatment
Cancer treatment can cause side effects that make daily life more difficult. Carers play a vital role in supporting patients with everyday tasks, emotional wellbeing, and safety.
Why Carers Are Essential
Cancer treatments can lead to a range of physical and emotional side effects that may affect a person's ability to manage their usual routines. These effects can begin early in treatment and, in some cases, continue for months after treatment ends.1 Having support in place can help manage side effects as they arise.2
Carers may be partners, family members, friends, or neighbours who provide unpaid support. If family is unavailable, a trusted friend or community member can step in to assist with daily activities such as preparing meals, cleaning, or attending appointments.3
Can Someone Undergoing Cancer Treatment Manage Without a Carer?
Whether someone needs a carer depends on their treatment, side effects, and overall health.4 Some may require help with transport, personal care, or safety at home, while others can manage on their own.
Supporting the person to do what they can independently helps maintain their confidence and sense of control.5 Discussing which tasks they can manage and where support is needed can ease the process for everyone.5
What Do Carers Help With?
Carers provide a wide range of support, including:
- Practical help with household chores, shopping, transport, and meal preparation6
- Assistance with personal care, such as bathing, dressing, or managing medications6
- Attending medical appointments and helping to keep track of treatment plans6
- Emotional support, including companionship, encouragement, and reassurance7
- Monitor symptoms and communicate with the health care team about any concerns6
Carers are often the main point of contact between the person with cancer and their healthcare providers. By staying informed and involved, carers can help manage changes in routine and advocate for the person's needs.6
Should Carers Attend Medical Appointments?
Yes — attending appointments can help carers better understand the person's condition, ask questions, and share observations with the healthcare team.6 This involvement supports informed decision-making and helps carers respond appropriately to changes in the person's health.6,8
It's also important for carers to learn which symptoms are expected side effects of treatment and which may signal an emergency. This knowledge helps them know when to seek medical help and how to respond in urgent situations.6
Caring for the Carer
Caring for someone with cancer can be rewarding, but it can also be physically and emotionally demanding. Carers often focus so much on the needs of their loved one that they neglect their own wellbeing. This can lead to stress, anxiety, fatigue, and burnout.9
It's important for carers to look after their own health. This includes:9,10
- Taking regular breaks (respite care)
- Asking for help from family, friends, or support services
- Staying active and eating well
- Talking to a GP or counsellor if feeling overwhelmed
Support groups and counselling services can also help carers feel less isolated and more empowered in their role.10 Seeking support is not a sign of failure9 — it's a way to ensure you can continue to care effectively while maintaining your own wellbeing.
References
1. Cancer Council NSW. Managing side effects [Internet]. Sydney: Cancer Council NSW; 2024 [cited 2025 Dec 18]. Available from: https://www.cancercouncil.com.au/cancer-information/living-well/after-cancer-treatment/managing-side-effects/
2. Cancer Council Australia. Caring for someone with cancer [Internet]. Sydney: Cancer Council Australia; 2023 [cited 2025 Dec 18]. Available from: https://www.cancer.org.au/caring-for-someone-with-cancer
3. Cancer Council Victoria. Expert advice on medical, emotional, and legal aspects of cancer care [Internet]. Melbourne: Cancer Council Victoria; 2024 [cited 2025 Dec 18]. Available from: https://www.cancervic.org.au/get-support/guides/caring-for-someone/overview
4. Healthdirect Australia. Does the stage of the cancer affect the care needed? [Internet]. Canberra: Department of Health; 2022 [cited 2025 Dec 18]. Available from: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/caring-for-someone-with-cancer
5. Cancer Council Australia. Caring for Someone with Cancer – A guide for family and friends [Internet]. Sydney: Cancer Council Australia; 2023 [cited 2025 Dec 18]. Available from: https://www.cancer.org.au/assets/pdf/caring-for-someone-with-cancer-booklet
6. Cancer Council Victoria. What carers do [Internet]. Melbourne: Cancer Council Victoria; 2024 [cited 2025 Dec 18]. Available from: https://www.cancervic.org.au/get-support/guides/caring-for-someone/overview
7. Healthdirect Australia. Who is a carer? [Internet]. Canberra: Department of Health; 2022 [cited 2025 Dec 18]. Available from: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/caring-for-someone-with-cancer
8. Cancer Council Australia. Making the most of a medical appointment [Internet]. Sydney: Cancer Council Australia; 2023 [cited 2025 Dec 18]. Available from: https://www.cancer.org.au/assets/pdf/caring-for-someone-with-cancer-booklet
9. Cancer Council Victoria. Caring for yourself [Internet]. Melbourne: Cancer Council Victoria; 2024 [cited 2025 Dec 18]. Available from: https://www.cancervic.org.au/get-support/guides/caring-for-someone/self-care
10. Healthdirect Australia. What emotional support is available for me? [Internet]. Canberra: Department of Health; 2022 [cited 2025 Dec 18]. Available from: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/caring-for-someone-with-cancer