Caring for someone with cancer
Caregivers play a vital role in supporting someone through cancer diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. But, you don't have to do it alone. The following resources are designed to provide practical tools, emotional support, and guidance to help you navigate the cancer journey. From learning how to manage daily care and communicate with healthcare teams to finding financial assistance, support groups, and self-care strategies, these trusted websites offer help at every stage. Whether you are new to caregiving or have been supporting someone for years, these resources can help you feel more confident, connected, and supported while also prioritizing your own well-being.
How do I manage daily physical care, medical tasks, and treatment steps?
Navigating daily care for a cancer patient takes strength and know-how. Here are resources to help build practical caregiving skills.
American Cancer Society's caregiver support videos: Step-by-step video training for physical care (drain care, medication management, pain control), self-care, advocacy, and shared caregiver stories.
Support is Care's website: Downloadable guides, sample questions to ask doctors, and tips for effectively communicating with your care team.
American Cancer Society's Caregiver Resource Guide: Comprehensive toolkit to help you master coping strategies, understand treatment steps, and build daily care skills.
American Cancer Society's Cancer Care Toolkit: Printable care toolkit that helps you stay organized and makes medical conversations much easier.
National Comprehensive Cancer Network's Guidelines for Patients: Patient-friendly guides detailing cancer types, treatment paths, and supportive care standards.
How do I care for my own physical, emotional, and mental health?
A cancer diagnosis impacts everyone who cares about them. If you’re stepping into a caregiving role, here is what to anticipate—along with essential ways to look after your own well-being along the way.
American Cancer Society's caregiver resources and support: Guidance on what to expect as a caregiver and actionable tips to protect your own well-being.
National Cancer Institute's Support for Caregivers booklet: Downloadable PDF focused specifically on honoring your own hopes, desires, and personal health needs.
National Cancer Institute's caregiver support hub: Expert insights on coping with caregiver stress, setting boundaries, and managing long-distance caregiving.
This is Living with Cancer's website: Focused mental health, nutrition, sleep, and self-advocacy resources tailored for cancer caregivers.
Cancer Support Community's website: Telephone support, discussion forums, and self-care resources.
How do I connect with others who understand what I am going through?
No one understands the ups and downs of caregiving quite like someone who has been there. These resources connect you with groups and online communities where you can share stories, ask questions, and find mutual support.
Cancer Support Community's MyLifeLine®: Safe online network connecting patients, survivors, and caregivers to reduce isolation and stress.
University of Utah Huntsman Cancer Institute's support groups: Connection with oncology social workers and peer support groups for families and people living with cancer.
Intermountain Health's cancer support groups: Support groups for people living with cancer and caregivers.
Survivor Wellness' website: Local community programs bringing survivors and caregivers together to share experiences and receive mutual support.
Caregiver Action Network's cancer caregivers page: Tools, peer understanding, and dedicated support networks specifically built for cancer caregivers.
Imerman Angels: Free 1-on-1 mentor matching that connects caregivers with experienced peer mentors.
CancerCare's caregiving resources: Professional counseling, education, and caregiver support groups.
How do I get help with lodging, finances, transportation, or family coordination?
Focusing on your loved one’s health is easier when you have help with the practical details. Use these resources to access direct financial assistance, free lodging, and tools to organize community support.
American Cancer Society's Findhelp tool: Directory for locating free or low-cost financial assistance, local transportation, and medical care services.
American Cancer Society's Hope Lodge®: Free lodging for cancer patients and caregivers traveling for treatment.
CancerCare's My Cancer Circle: Online coordination tool to easily mobilize friends and family members who want to assist with daily chores, meals, or rides.
CaringBridge: Secure, private online platform where families can post health updates, share news, and organize support like meal deliveries and practical help in one centralized space.
American Cancer Society's programs and services directory: Programs and resources including a 24/7 cancer helpline, information, support groups, rides to treatment, lodging during treatment, hair loss and post-surgical products, and access to clinical trails.
Joe's House: National lodging directory helping families find discounted housing near medical centers.
Family Reach: Dedicated financial resource navigation and relief for families facing cancer-related hardship.
CancerCare's Helping Hand: Searchable database for financial and practical support.
Patient Advocate Foundation: Free case management to resolve insurance, co-pay, and debt issues.
Findhelp: Search local financial, food, transit, and community assistance programs.
How can I support my children, teen, or family when cancer impacts our household?
Children and teens need safe spaces to process feelings, connect with peers, and just be kids. Use these dedicated resources and family networks to find summer camps, youth support groups, and practical parenting tools.
Pickles Group: Support groups and community tailored for children and teens navigating a parent or guardian's cancer diagnosis.
Camp Kesem: Free nationwide summer camps and year-round support programs for children affected by a parent's cancer.
Camp Hobé: Utah-based summer camps and year-round family activity days designed specifically for children and teens diagnosed with cancer, as well as their siblings.
Bright Spot Network: Resources, peer connection, and practical tools designed specifically for parents and guardians with cancer who are raising young children.
Where can I find advance directives, palliative care, and care planning tools?
Planning ahead brings clarity and peace of mind during complex health journeys. Use these guides and care planning tools to navigate advance directives, align treatment with personal values, and access palliative support for enhanced comfort and quality of life.
Get Palliative Care's website: Educational resources explaining palliative care and a locator tool to find local palliative specialists.
The Conversation Project: Tools and conversation starters for discussing care preferences and what matters most.
CaringInfo's website: State-specific advance care planning, advance directives, palliative care information, and grief support.