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Caregivers and Family

A cancer diagnosis affects close friends and family too. Find out what to expect if you become a caregiver for a person with cancer, and get tips for making sure that you take care of yourself as well.

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Interactive Caregiver Resource Guide

This online, interactive guide can empower caregivers with the resources and information they need – from anywhere and at any time. It can help you: 

  • Learn how to care for yourself as a caregiver. 
  • Better understand what your loved one is going through.
  • Develop skills for coping and caring.
  • Take steps to help protect your health and well-being.
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Caregiver Support Video Series

This video series offers educational support as you assist with the everyday needs of your loved one, as well as self-care techniques to improve your own quality of life.

  • Physical Care Training: drain care, lifting, pain management, medication management, symptom/side effect management, and identifying signs of infection.
  • Caregiver Self-Care: nutrition, physical activity, stress management and coping, dealing with fear of recurrence, and deep breathing/meditation.
  • Advocacy: how to effectively communicate your loved one’s needs to the cancer care team.
  • Caregiver Stories: caregivers share their experiences through the ups and downs of their journey.
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How to Care for Someone With Cancer

Here you'll find information on what to expect if you are caring for someone with cancer, and find out what you need to know when caring for a loved one at home.

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Taking Care of Yourself as a Caregiver

Caring for someone who is sick, taking on new responsibilities, and worrying about the future can be exhausting at the very least. Here you can find tips on making sure you also take care of yourself. You'll also find checklists that can help caregivers spot signs of anxiety or depression in yourself or others.

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How to Be Supportive to Someone With Cancer

If someone close to you has cancer, do you find it hard to talk to them about it? Do you worry that you'll say the wrong thing? If so, you're not alone. Find out how to be supportive and helpful when you talk with someone who has cancer.

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Helping Children When a Family Member Has Cancer

Get information on how to help children understand and cope when a parent or other family member has been diagnosed with cancer.
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American Cancer Society Support Programs and Services

The American Cancer Society has programs and services to help people with cancer and their loved ones understand cancer, manage their lives through treatment and recovery, and find the emotional support they need. And best of all, our help is free.

Online Communities and Support

If you’re facing a cancer diagnosis, learning more and connecting with others can be a source of support and comfort. Visit these American Cancer Society resources to find what’s right for you.

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Cancer Survivors Network

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Reach To Recovery Website and App

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ACS CARES™ App

Learn more about our online communities

Help us end cancer as we know it, for everyone.