51É«APP

It can be a difficult time when someone you care about is diagnosed with cancer.

The information on this page will help you to find out more about managing as a carer. You'll discover ways to cope with the emotional and practical issues this raises, including how ²Ñ²¹²µ²µ¾±±ð’s&²Ô²ú²õ±è;can support you.

What makes a carer of someone with cancer

It can be a huge shock when someone you care about is diagnosed with cancer.

The term ‘carer’ describes the role taken on by partners, family, friends, neighbours and colleagues. It’s an unpaid role and involves providing practical and emotional support when someone needs it most.

Being a carer can be both rewarding and stressful at the same time. You may experience the challenges associated with a cancer diagnosis and treatment on a day-to-day basis.

It can be emotionally and physically draining, as you juggle other responsibilities like work, home and family - alongside your caring role. You may live some distance from the person with cancer and be unsure how to help. 

It’s tempting to put your own feelings on hold whilst supporting someone you care about. You may be physically tired and experiencing feelings of anxiety, anger, frustration, helplessness and guilt. This is understandable - you’re only human, and there's a lot going on. You may worry about what the future holds, and how you will cope as care needs change.

As a carer, you’re a key part of the network looking after the person with cancer. Looking after yourself is important too. 51ɫAPPing out where and who can give you support can help you manage your caring role alongside your physical and emotional wellbeing.

Tips for coping as a carer

Whether you are new to caring or have been looking after someone with cancer for some time, there may still be days when you find things more challenging. ²Ñ²¹²µ²µ¾±±ð’s offers support for carers in a number of ways.

Practical support

• Build up your toolkit of coping mechanisms – who and what can help make your caring role more manageable? 51É«APP out who can offer practical help, such as assistance with meals, housework, transport or personal care needs. 
• You can speak to your GP about what support is available and how you can access it. You may be referred to different services for support at home, which may include carers, district nurses, social work or occupational therapists.
• Be organised – there can be lots of things to coordinate when in the caring role. In the early days, it might be organising hospital appointments, collecting medications, transport, etc. Friends and family may be able to help, and it can be helpful for you to guide them on how best they can support you.
• Phone apps, such as the  app by Carers UK, helps you keep organised, delegate jobs and keep your circle of family and friends in the loop. You can also keep tabs on appointments, home visits, etc. If you don’t use apps, then setting alarms or reminders for medication, meals, appointments and rest can be helpful.
• Reduce your cognitive load by writing things down. Keep a notebook with any symptoms, questions, challenges or concerns that you or the person with cancer is experiencing. You can bring this with you when you access support, such as medical appointments or a visit to ²Ñ²¹²µ²µ¾±±ð’s. Take time to write down answers to questions or information that you want to remember; this reduces stress and helps you to feel that your concerns are more manageable.
• Use the different skills of friends and family to manage your caring responsibilities. Some may offer more practical support, whilst others may focus on emotional support. You can let people know what would be most helpful to you at this time. Allowing others to support you can provide you with periods of rest, which is important for your wellbeing.
• 51É«APP out about local volunteer groups who can help with practical tasks. These can include transport, respite care, personal care at home and home visits so that you can have a break. Your GP surgery and local carers groups will know what is available in your area.

Emotional support

• As a carer, you may be trying to be positive and upbeat, even when you are worried yourself. The stress of bottling up these emotions can build up. 51É«APPing someone to talk to about how you feel can be an important coping mechanism.
• You can talk to other family members, friends, colleagues or connect with others in similar situations through support groups. ²Ñ²¹²µ²µ¾±±ð’s offers a safe place to talk through the emotions you may be feeling meet other carers to share experiences. You are welcome to drop in and speak to one of our cancer support specialists who can listen to your concerns and explore what support may be most appropriate for you.
• If you’re working, or a student, let your employers or tutors know what is happening. As a carer, you may need some flexibility for appointments, treatment days, accessing support services, etc. If your employers or tutors are aware of your home situation, they can be more supportive and understanding. 

Money worries

• Money worries – when you’re caring for someone, both you and they may be worried about the financial impact of the cancer. You may also experience a reduction in income as a carer if you are unable to work.
• ²Ñ²¹²µ²µ¾±±ð’s centres have benefits advisors who can help you to access financial support and benefits that you may be entitled to. We also have information about work, money and benefits to help you.

Self care

• Learn how to look after yourself – as a carer, there will be times when you feel stressed and anxious. ²Ñ²¹²µ²µ¾±±ð’s can help you explore coping mechanisms to help with managing stress and anxiety.
• Taking time out from caring responsibilities is important for your wellbeing. Having regular breaks, meeting up with others, and doing something for you, is helpful.
• Drop into ²Ñ²¹²µ²µ¾±±ð’s to learn more about our relaxation classes or stress management courses to develop a range of coping mechanisms for difficult situations.
• Look after your health – being a carer means you may be spending more time focusing on someone else, rather than yourself.
• Remember to eat regularly, take exercise and get some fresh air when you can. Let your GP know if you are feeling unwell and explain your caring responsibilities. It can help to set reminders for repeat prescriptions, appointments or vaccinations. Your nearest ²Ñ²¹²µ²µ¾±±ð’s can offer support with relaxation, exercise, healthy eating, stress management and emotional support.
• Being a carer can feel isolating, and you may find it helpful to speak to other carers. Look into local carers support groups and online forums where you can share information and experiences with other carers. ²Ñ²¹²µ²µ¾±±ð’s runs carers support groups, or you may prefer to drop in for a cup of tea and another type of support.
• Remind yourself it is ok to ask for and accept help – you may be hiding your feelings and pretending to everyone else that you are managing. Talk with others about your feelings, and be open with the person you are caring for too.

When to seek further help

Some low days are natural and there are likely to be good days too. However, if you’re stressed, anxious or depressed, it is important to talk to your GP about how you are feeling. You may benefit from some time off work, support and counselling. 

You can also talk on a one-to-one basis with a cancer support specialist at your nearest ²Ñ²¹²µ²µ¾±±ð’s centre.

What now?

• Have a look at the information linked to from this page to find out more about managing when caring for someone with cancer.
• Talk with others about what you are experiencing. It can help to hear that what you’re feeling is not unusual, and help you feel less alone. 
• Come into your nearest ²Ñ²¹²µ²µ¾±±ð’s centre to connect with others in a similar position to yourself.

Last review: Apr 2026 | Next review: Apr 2029