· Reach out to family, friends, neighbours, your healthcare team, charities and supporting services in your local area. They are there to make life a little bit easier.
· Remember, everyone copes in their own way, and there is no right or wrong way to cope but talking can help. It can also help to release stress and help you and the person with cancer feel better when worries or thoughts are out in the open.
· Keep a journal; and don’t forget to write things down and ask as many questions as you need.
· Financial worries can feel overwhelming and can create uncertainity, depending on your situation, you may qualify for government benefits if you have cancer, or care for someone with cancer.
· If you have other disabilities or your cancer is advanced, you might also qualify for certain benefits.
· It’s important to acknowledge, caring for someone with cancer or facing a diagnosis yourself can profoundly impact on your relationship with family, friends or loved ones; the emotional strain, physical demands, and uncertainty can shift dynamics, sometimes bringing people closer together but can also create tension or feelings of isolation and loneliness.
· If you’re searching for information, always search for trusted and reliable well-known charities and organisations: check out the National ‘Macmillan Cancer Support Charity’ website or get in touch with the local UHNM Macmillan Cancer Support and Information Centre who can provide you with the relevant booklet or information to help you through this journey.
· Caregivers may struggle with exhaustion and the pressure of balancing their own needs with those of their loved one; while those diagnosed may experience feelings of guilt, fear, or frustration. Open communication, patience, and a strong support network are essential in navigating these changes and maintaining meaningful connections through the challenges of cancer.
· For some patients and loved ones, talking about everyday normal conversations such as work, TV programmes or sports events can help you feel that cancer has not taken over every part of your life. If you’re caring for someone diagnosed with cancer and they are struggling emotionally, let them decide when to talk, and offer them your time, and listening ear. If you are not sure and you’re concerned about them, you can always ask, ‘Do you feel like talking?’
· Many loved ones who take on a caregiving role don’t always see themselves as "carers" because they view what they’re doing as simply part of their relationship—whether as a partner, parent, sibling, or friend. They may not recognise the additional responsibilities they’ve taken on, or they might feel that the term “carer” only applies to professionals or people looking after someone with severe disabilities. It’s important to also look after your mental and physical health.
· As a patient, you may still be coping with the side effects or physical changes after treatment - cancer may impact on your sex life, and how you feel about yourself. Some cancer treatments can affect your fertility, and this might change any plans to have children, or you may be facing challenges as a couple that you did not expect. It usually helps to be open and honest with each other about how you feel - being able to talk about what is happening and how you feel can help you to connect & make sense of any worries or concerns; it may also lead to you and the person with cancer get the support and help you need.
