Caring for someone with cancer

Start here

Start here

Two short reads for the first weeks: how to keep yourself going, and what to ask the care team so you know what is coming.

Taking Care of Yourself While Caring for a Patient: A Memo for Caregivers to Maintain BalanceTaking care of a cancer patient can be overwhelming, and it’s absolutely normal you’re facing some difficulties as a caregiver. Understanding that, we’re sharing some tips that could help you to overcome these challenges more easily and maintain balance.Newly Diagnosed Cancer Patients: Key Questions to Ask Your Health Care Team for Better CareNavigating a cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming, but asking the right questions is crucial. Learn what to ask your healthcare team about your diagnosis, treatment options, side effects, and daily life impacts. Empower yourself to make informed decisions, understand costs, and find the support you need for effective cancer care and long-term planning.

Finding the words

What to say, what not to say, and short messages that land when you cannot be in the room.

What to Say to Someone with Cancer: Words That Actually HelpNot sure what to say to someone with cancer? This guide gives you specific phrases for conversations, texts, and cards — plus a clear list of what to avoid — so you can show up with confidence and compassionWhat to Say to Someone Going Through Chemo Treatments: Supportive Phrases and TipsDiscover heartfelt ways to support someone undergoing chemotherapy with empathy, thoughtful words, and practical help. This guide explores what to say, what to avoid, and the importance of truly listening to provide comfort and encouragement during a challenging time. Learn how to be present, combat isolation, and offer balanced optimism without invalidating their emotions.What to Say to Someone Who Is Dying of CancerWhen someone you love is dying of cancer, finding the right words feels impossible. This guide offers comforting phrases for every stage — from a terminal diagnosis through the final hours — along with what to avoid, how to support children through the process, and how to care for yourself through anticipatory grief. You don't need a perfect script. You just need to show up.Brighter Days Ahead: Short Positive Messages for Cancer PatientsThe article is a compassionate guide offering genuine support and encouragement to those battling cancer. Through heartfelt messages, inspiring quotes, and insights into effective communication, this article provides valuable tools for uplifting spirits and fostering resilience. Join us in spreading hope and kindness on the cancer journey.Being a Friend in the Time of Cancer: Practical Tips for Supporting Your Loved One Through the JourneyLearn how to support a friend with cancer with practical tips and strategies that can help you be there for your loved one through the ups and downs of their cancer journey. From keeping regular activities to listening, checking in, allowing space for laughter and sadness, and planning together, discover how you can provide effective emotional support to your friend during this challenging time. Find out more in this comprehensive guide on how to support a friend with cancer.

Practical help

The hospital bag, the food that goes down when nothing else does, and how to thank the people looking after them.

What to Bring to Someone in the Hospital: Thoughtful Gift IdeasDiscover the perfect gifts to brighten a loved one's hospital stay! From cozy comfort items to practical essentials and engaging entertainment, explore thoughtful ideas that provide support, warmth, and a sense of normalcy. Find tips on personalizing your gesture while considering hospital regulations and the patient's unique needs to truly make their day special.How to Support a Friend in a Hospital: Practical Tips for Comfort and CareLearn how to support a friend in the hospital with thoughtful gestures and meaningful actions. Explore tips on offering emotional and practical help, managing visits, and respecting their needs to provide comfort and strengthen your bond during their recovery.Soft Food Ideas for Cancer Patients: Nourishing, Easy-to-Eat Meals for Healing & ComfortDiscover a variety of soft and nourishing food ideas for cancer patients, from creamy soups and protein-rich smoothies to comforting grains and hydrating treats. Explore easy-to-eat, flavorful options designed to support healing, ease side effects, and provide essential nutrients during treatment. Find practical tips for preparing gentle, delicious meals to promote energy and recovery.Gifts for Healing After SurgeryIf someone you love is recovering from surgery, you already know the feeling. You want to help. You want to send something. But you don't want to send the fifth gift basket of cheese and crackers nobody's touching, or flowers that will wilt next to a stack of hospital discharge paperwork. The best recovery gifts solve real problems, not symbolic ones. This guide walks through what someone actually needs after cancer surgery, comfort picks for the hospital, practical items for home, a full section on post-mastectomy recovery, food that helps (and food that doesn't), and thoughtful options under €25. A €15 item chosen with thought beats a €100 basket chosen in a rush.Thank You Messages for Doctors: Examples, Templates and EtiquetteDiscover heartfelt thank-you messages to express gratitude to doctors for their dedication, compassion, and expertise. From personalized notes to thoughtful examples for various situations, find inspiration to honor the vital role doctors play in your well-being. Show your appreciation and make their day with meaningful words of thanks!

Children and family

Talking to children honestly, and supporting a child who is the patient.

How to Talk to Children About Cancer Recovery and Survival: A Guide for CaregiversLearn how to talk to children about cancer recovery with empathy and clarity. This guide provides age-appropriate advice, helps address fears and emotions, and emphasizes honest communication to build trust. Discover strategies for supporting children’s emotional well-being, preparing for conversations, and accessing professional resources to navigate this challenging journey together.How to Support Your Child Who Has Cancer: Practical Tips and Emotional Guidance for ParentsDiscover how to support your child emotionally and practically through their cancer journey. This guide covers communication, managing medical care, addressing fears, maintaining routines, and building a strong support network, ensuring your child's well-being and empowering your family during this challenging time. Learn strategies to provide love, comfort, and guidance while navigating treatment together.

Looking after yourself

Resentment, loneliness and exhaustion are part of caring, not a failure at it. What they look like and what helps.

Caregiver Resentment and Cancer: Coping Strategies for Emotional Balance and SupportExplore the emotional challenges of caregiving for loved ones with cancer, from resentment and burnout to strategies for self-care, setting boundaries, and seeking support. Discover how recognizing these feelings and accessing resources can help caregivers maintain resilience, balance, and effectiveness while navigating this demanding journey.Understanding Cancer Caregiver Loneliness: Tips to Overcome Isolation and Find SupportDiscover the emotional challenges of cancer caregiving, including the loneliness and isolation many caregivers face. Learn strategies to rebuild social connections, prioritize self-care, and access support systems to foster resilience and well-being while managing caregiving responsibilities. Explore how communities and organizations play a vital role in reducing caregiver loneliness.Understanding Post Caregiver Syndrome After Cancer: Symptoms, Causes, and Recovery TipsDiscover the emotional aftermath of caregiving for a loved one with cancer in this insightful article about post-caregiver syndrome. Learn how prolonged stress leads to physical, mental, and emotional challenges, and explore strategies for recovery, self-care, and building support systems to navigate this complex journey toward healing and resilience.Caring for Caregivers: Providing Practical and Emotional Support to Caregivers of Cancer PatientsCancer doesn't just affect the patient - it affects their loved ones too. Caregivers of cancer patients often feel overwhelmed and stressed. In this article, we provide practical and emotional tips to support caregivers and help them care for themselves while caring for their loved ones.

Work, money and rights

Leave, benefits and the legal side, for the person with cancer and for you.

Financial Burden for Caregivers of Adolescents and Young Adults With CancerSupporting young adult cancer survivors can be financially and emotionally challenging for caregivers.Is Cancer a Disability? Legal Rights, Benefits and Support OptionsLearn how cancer is classified as a disability under the ADA, its impact on daily life, and the legal protections available. Discover eligibility for benefits, workplace accommodations, and practical resources to navigate challenges. This guide empowers cancer patients and caregivers to understand their rights, access support, and focus on recovery.Legal Rights for Cancer Patients: Protecting Access to Care, Employment, and BenefitsDiscover your legal rights as a cancer patient to secure healthcare, protect your job, and access disability benefits. Learn about federal laws like the ADA, FMLA, and ACA, as well as workplace accommodations, insurance protections, and advocacy resources to navigate challenges and focus on your well-being during treatment.