Cancer Caregiving: Resources for Practical Help and Support
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Top Resources That Offer Essential Support for Cancer Caregivers

These resources can help you prioritize your own health and well-being while still being there for your loved one every step of the way.
Top Resources That Offer Essential Support for Cancer Caregivers
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Published on December 10, 2024
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In the United States, an estimated six million people are caring for a loved one who has cancer, a role many of which dive into unprepared.

 And while they do so willingly, it’s a high-stress role that can take a significant physical, emotional, and financial toll.

That’s why it’s important for cancer caregivers to seek support and prioritize their own well-being, too. “Much like putting on your oxygen mask first before helping others in the event of an airplane emergency, caregivers should build their network of support and resources to help sustain them through the challenges that come with a cancer diagnosis,” says Karen Costello, LSW, a certified oncology social worker and senior director and patient navigator of the Cancer Support Community Helpline.

These organizations can provide both emotional and practical support to caregivers to help guide you along this journey.

Cancer Support Community (CSC)

The CSC has been working since 1982 to provide social and emotional support to everyone impacted by cancer — including caregivers. Today, it partners with 196 locations worldwide to bring community support and navigation services to people with cancer and their loved ones.

Call the Cancer Support Helpline at 888-793-9355 to talk with a navigator who can provide information and resources based on your individual caregiving needs, including local support programs or online communities.

Keep in touch with the latest from CSC through:

American Cancer Society (ACS)

Since 1913, the ACS has been working toward its mission to pursue better outcomes for people with cancer and their loved ones.

The ACS offers a comprehensive caregiver resource guide designed to help educate you about the road ahead, including tips for developing caregiving skills, talking to your loved one about cancer, coping with complex emotions, and prioritizing your own self-care. They also offer a caregiver distress quiz that can help you analyze your own mental and emotional well-being; for those who need it, there are also links to resources for outside support, like job accommodations, respite care, and mental health support. You can even download a PDF version of this resource to keep on-hand for easy reference.

Connect with the ACS through:

Family Reach

Family Reach is a nonprofit organization founded in 1996 that’s dedicated to easing the expenses from cancer. Its main priority is to help families in need access resources that can help with the costs of housing, utilities, food, and transportation.

Family Reach provides a financial resource center that caregivers can utilize to help meet their basic needs. You can also apply for grants to help cover the cost of nonmedical expenses you and your loved ones may be facing.

Connect with Family Reach on:

CancerCare

CancerCare is a national organization that’s been dedicated to providing free services to the cancer community since 1944.

It offers access to a variety of caregiver resources, including counseling services, resource navigators, and support groups that are led by oncology social workers and geared specifically for cancer caregivers. For more information, call 800-813-HOPE or email info@cancercare.org.

You can also connect with CancerCare through:

Triage Cancer

Helping someone who has cancer entails more than just medical care. That’s where Triage Cancer comes in. Founded in 2012, the nonprofit organization is dedicated to providing legal advice, estate planning, family leave, and more to both people with cancer and their caregivers.

It offers caregiver-specific resources to help you become a knowledgeable member of your loved one’s cancer care team, including tips to navigate state laws as well as potential issues with finances, insurance coverage, and more. They also host free educational events to help you access the right resources for you.

Stay in touch with Triage Cancer through:

Cancer and Careers

Cancer and Careers was established in 2001 to help members of the cancer community thrive in the workplace.

The organization provides resources for caregivers that can help them assess their work needs, balance their responsibilities with caregiving, gain access to job support, and learn more about legal assistance.

For the latest information, follow Cancer and Careers on:

For Pete’s Sake: Take a Break From Cancer

For Pete’s Sake: Take a Break From Cancer is an organization that was created to provide respite experiences for people with cancer and their loved ones. The goal is to strengthen people’s relationships and offer emotional support throughout the cancer journey.

Its program offers travel and staycation respite opportunities to help people impacted by cancer take a break from the day-to-day. For Pete's Sake also offers ongoing support to help you through each phase of the cancer journey. Can’t travel? Join their in-person and online events, which connect cancer caregivers with each other and allow them to share their experiences.

Keep in touch with For Pete’s Sake through:

Partners in Care

The Partners in Care Foundation provides access to affordable, quality healthcare and social care.

It offers caregiver resources for a diverse population, including children, those who are aging, identify as Black, Indigenous, or people of color, or those who identify as part of LGBTQ communities. They also provide a virtual webinar series called Spotlight on Caregiving to share expert insights.

Follow the Partners in Care Foundation on:

Cancer-Specific Organizations

You can also find cancer-specific resources for caregivers through the following organizations:

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Walter Tsang, MD

Medical Reviewer
Castle Connolly Top Doctor, Member of American College of Lifestyle Medicine
Walter Tsang, MD, is a board-certified medical oncologist, hematologist, and lifestyle medicine specialist. Inspired by the ancient Eastern philosophy of yang sheng ("nourishing life"), Dr. Tsang has developed a unique whole-person oncology approach that tailors cancer care and lifestyle recommendations to each patients’ biopsychosocial-spiritual circumstances. He partners with patients on their cancer journeys, emphasizing empowerment, prevention, holistic wellness, quality of life, supportive care, and realistic goals and expectations. This practice model improves clinical outcomes and reduces costs for both patients and the healthcare system. 

Outside of his busy clinical practice, Tsang has taught various courses at UCLA Center for East West Medicine, Loma Linda University, and California University of Science and Medicine. He is passionate about health education and started an online seminar program to teach cancer survivors about nutrition, exercise, stress management, sleep health, and complementary healing methods. Over the years, he has given many presentations on integrative oncology and lifestyle medicine at community events. In addition, he was the founding co-chair of a lifestyle medicine cancer interest group, which promoted integrative medicine education and collaborations among oncology professionals.

Tsang is an active member of American Society of Clinical Oncology, Society for Integrative Oncology, and American College of Lifestyle Medicine. He currently practices at several locations in Southern California. His goal is to transform cancer care in the community, making it more integrative, person-centered, cost-effective and sustainable for the future.
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Kerry Weiss is a New York–based freelance writer, editor, and content strategist specializing in health and wellness. She has contributed to a variety of online publications, including Healthline, WebMD, Sharecare, Twill Care, and What to Expect.
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Resources
  1. Bradley CJ et al. Working, Low Income, and Cancer Caregiving: Financial and Mental Health Impacts. Journal of Clinical Oncology. April 12, 2023.
  2. Abazari A et al. Understanding Cancer Caregiving and Predicting Burden: An Analytics and Machine Learning Approach. AMIA Annual Symposium Proceedings. January 11, 2024.