Caregiving for a Family Member Diagnosed with Cancer

Benefits of family support

Family is one of the most important sources and support systems that patients have (Faraji et al., 2023; Sebastian et al., 2022). When patients have a strong network to rely on, they can dedicate more of their time to their treatment and other issues they are facing (Sebastian et al., 2022). Families provide strength, comfort, understanding, and love. They provide reassurance, distractions, consoling, and companionship. Having a strong family support system, and a strong family dynamic allows for patients to adjust well after treatment, have an overall better mental health, quality of life, and a lower fear of recurrence (Evan & Zeltzer, 2006). Family can also help with chores, kids, getting to and from appointments, financials, and other needs you might have. Whether your family is there as a support system or as a caregiver, they are necessary to your overall treatment plan and health (Faraji et al., 2023).

Effects of Family Caregiving

Caring for a family member diagnosed with cancer has a wide range of emotional and psychological effects (Areia et al., 2010; Bevans & Sternberg, 2012; Kayaalp et al., 2021; Roth et al., 2015; Schulz et al., 2020; Schulz & Sherwood, 2008; Smith et al., 2014). These can include anxiety, chronic stress, sleeping problems, depression, and physical symptoms and illness (Areia et al., 2010; Bevans & Sternberg, 2012; Kayaalp et al., 2021; Roth et al., 2015; Schulz et al., 2020; Schulz & Sherwood, 2008; Smith et al., 2014). Carers also end up more isolated due to taking time off work, and neglecting themselves and self-care (Areia et al., 2010; Bevans & Sternberg, 2012; Kayaalp et al., 2021; Roth et al., 2015; Schulz et al., 2020; Schulz & Sherwood, 2008; Smith et al., 2014). It is important to address these risks by taking some time to care for yourself whenever possible. This may look like taking care of your body with physical movement (walks, dancing, short workout), eating a balanced diet, taking steps to reduce your day-to-day stress (mindfulness, doing things that bring you joy, take breaks), engaging with your spiritual side (if this is something you practice). Talking with a social worker may help you unravel the thoughts that are going through your mind and determine what it will take to truly care for your whole self.

A cancer diagnosis challenges the communication within the family, the relationships between members, the roles, and the responsibilities they once had (Samuelsson et al., 2021). However, it can be said that there are positive outcomes as well (Kayaalp et al., 2021; Roth et al., 2015; Schulz & Sherwood, 2008).

Caregivers reported that they feel good about themselves when taking care of a family member, gives their lives meaning, they feel like they have purpose, and it makes them feel needed and necessary (Kayaalp et al., 2021; Schulz & Sherwood, 2008). Caregiving also allows individuals to learn new skills and develop stronger relationships (Schulz & Sherwood, 2008).

Ways to Cope Through Caregiving

Counselling is an effective and positive tool that benefits everyone involved in the process by enhancing emotional regulation skills, reducing the burden, and feeling more positive about the situation (Ehrbar et al., 2022; Schulz et al., 2020). Having educational information on the roles and sacrifices that caregiving entails is another great way to help support caregivers, reduce their anxiety, depression, stress, and burden load (Areia et al., 2010; Bevans & Sternberg, 2012; Kayaalp et al., 2021; Roth et al., 2015; Schulz et al., 2020; Schulz & Sherwood, 2008; Smith et al., 2014).

CCC has resources, tools, and are available to help with the emotional, psychological, and physical impacts cancer has on the patient, their family, and their caregivers.  We invite you to email us at support@colorectalcancercanada.com to receive support with any of the things we discussed in this blog or any other concerns or questions you may have.

 

References

 

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Bevans, M., & Sternberg, E. M. (2012). Caregiving burden, stress, and health effects among

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Ehrbar, V., Roos, S., Denzinger, A., Bingisser, M. B., Scherer, S., Gaab, J., Vetter, M.,

Heinzelmann-Schwarz, V., & Urech, C. (2022). Managing Cancer as a Family Disease – Feasibility, Satisfaction and Family Functioning after Short-Time Counselling for Families with Parental Cancer. The Family Journal, 30(2), 200-208. https://doi.org/10.1177/10664807211052484

 

Evan, E. E., & Zeltzer, L. K. (2006). Psychosocial dimensions of cancer in adolescents and young adults. Cancer, 107(S7), 1663–1671. https://doi.org/10.1002/cncr.22107

 

Faraji, A., Dehghani, M., & Khatibi, A. (2023). Familial aspects of fear of cancer recurrence: Current insights and knowledge gaps. Frontiers in Psychology, 14. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1279098

 

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https://doi.org/10.1093/geront/gnu177

 

Samuelsson, M., Wennick, A., Jakobsson, J., & Bengtsson, M. (2021). Models of support to family members during the trajectory of cancer: A scoping review. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 30(21–22), 3072–3098. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocn.15832

 

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