Every third Friday in February we recognize and honor the caregivers in our country with National Caregivers Day.
A cancer caregiver is a person who provides physical and emotional support to someone with cancer. Caregivers can be family members, friends, or partners. They can help with a variety of tasks, including daily needs like bathing and dressing, household tasks like cleaning and cooking, errands such as shopping and picking up medications, paying bills and other financial responsibilities, scheduling appointments and providing transportation, emotional support, and so much more.
As a caregiver, your main job will be to support and encourage your loved one as they learn about their cancer and make decisions about, and then start, their cancer treatments. Not all caregivers do all of the same things, but a survey of 66 caregivers who are part of the Cancer Support Community’s Cancer Experience Registry® found:
- 98% provided emotional support
- 96% went with their loved one to medical appointments
- 82% helped with decision-making
- 79% coordinated medical care
- 80% provided transportation
- 74% helped manage finances
Being a caregiver to someone battling cancer is a hard, but important job, and the team at CAMC Radiation Oncology Services salutes you. If you have any questions about cancer or cancer treatment, please don’t hesitate to contact our center today. We are here to help and support you.