My Friend or Loved One Has Cancer. How Can I Help?

If you are caring for a friend or loved one with cancer, you are a caregiver. Being a caregiver is an extremely important role. You have taken the responsibility of helping your loved one through the most difficult time of his or her life-and possibly your own! You may feel overwhelmed in this important but stressful role, so we have resources to help ease your task.

Caregivers perform many duties. As a caregiver, you may help your loved one keep track of visits to their healthcare professional and provide transportation. You may remind them to take their medication or fill prescriptions for them. You will also be able to keep an eye on your loved one's health and alert their healthcare provider if their side effects worsen.

Those are just a few examples of what caregivers do for loved ones with cancer. ACS has a detailed description of the role of a caregiver.