This is my fifth article and the second episode on the responsibility of a caregiver.
Who Is a Caregiver?
A caregiver is someone who provides support, motivation, assistance, and guidance to a patient throughout their cancer journey.
When Does Caregiving Begin?
Caregiving can begin at different points for different people. For some, it starts the moment a patient notices worrying changes—like a lump in the breast or blood in a cough. When more than one caregiver is involved, responsibilities can be shared based on each person’s strengths and availability.
The Role and Burden of Caregiving
Caregivers are often the unsung heroes—rarely appreciated and frequently overlooked. Regardless of age, medical knowledge, or personal commitments, many find themselves thrust into this role without a choice.
Families must understand that caregiving should not rest on one person’s shoulders alone. Burnout, stress, and frustration can cause even the most devoted caregivers to withdraw. Relatives, friends, and neighbors need to step in and share tasks—cooking, accompanying patients to appointments, or simply keeping them company—regardless of gender or status.
A Real-Life Example
Support often comes from unexpected places when families are willing to ask for help.
Consider this: a mother from another state, preparing for a mastectomy, had a husband who worked weekends in Singapore and a 10‑year‑old daughter attending the same school. Reliable transport was scarce in their small town.
The family created a detailed schedule with names, days, times, and contact numbers of parents willing to help with transport. With the headmistress’s approval, the schedule was displayed at school. Within days, every slot was filled. The patient and her family were deeply grateful, and the school community discovered the power of coming together.
Challenges Caregivers Face
Why do caregivers sometimes feel depressed, stressed, or even give up?
- Lack of appreciation
- Overwhelming responsibilities
- Little or no time to rest or recharge
- Financial strain or broken promises of compensation
- Disruption to their own family life
- Emotional conflict about what is best for everyone
Unrealistic Expectations
Patients and families may unknowingly place heavy demands on caregivers—expecting massages, special meals, and constant attention. Even when all these requests are met, gratitude is not always expressed. On top of that, neighbors and relatives may pressure caregivers to meet high standards without understanding the toll it takes.
How Caregivers Can Cope
- Set healthy boundaries
- Make time to rest and spend with your own family
- Acknowledge your strengths and limits
- Assign hospital visits to family members with better medical knowledge
- Learn to manage unsolicited advice or products
Involving the Whole Family
Children and young people can help too—by reciting poems, singing songs, sharing family stories, or teaching digital skills to the patient. Watch movies together and create memories. Healing is a family effort.
Creating Positive Moments
A hug, a kind word, sharing your day, or expressing love and appreciation—these small gestures bring peace and joy in difficult times.
Closing Thoughts
Ultimately, the cancer journey is shaped by the network of caregivers, patients, family members, and healthcare professionals working together. Patients who feel surrounded by love and support are often more positive and more willing to complete their treatment.
Let caregivers and patients walk this road hand in hand. Cherish this time—it forges bonds beyond words.
Take a moment today: call your caregiver, and simply say thank you.
