Caregivers

Caring for someone with lung cancer

A caregiver is anyone who helps a person who needs support with looking after themselves. Caregivers are often friends, partners, chosen family members, or neighbors. Caregiving may be done in person or from further away.

Caregiving for someone with lung cancer may involve several different responsibilities, including:

Helping with day-to-day activities such as preparing food.
Attending medical appointments.
Helping with tasks such as giving medicines.
Supporting personal care, such as washing or using the bathroom.
Coordinating care services.
Providing emotional support.

The role of a caregiver may change over time, depending on the person’s needs and treatment. People with lung cancer may need help with practical tasks, managing changes in energy levels, or adjusting daily routines. Emotional support is also important, and may involve listening, offering reassurance, or keeping the relationship as normal as possible.

Support for caregivers

When caring for someone, it is natural to focus on their needs and this can take a lot of time and energy. However, if caregivers put their own wellbeing to one side for too long, it can affect both physical and emotional health and may make caregiving more difficult. Taking time to look after your own needs is an important part of being able to continue providing support.

Caregivers may experience a range of emotions, including stress, worry, frustration, or guilt. These feelings are common and do not mean they are doing anything wrong.

Ways caregivers can look after themselves include:

Making time for activities they enjoy.
Keeping up with usual routines where possible.
Finding an outlet for their own thoughts and feelings.
Joining a support group or talking with others in a similar situation.
Resting, eating well, and staying active.
Asking for help when needed, whether with caregiving tasks or other responsibilities such as cooking, cleaning, or childcare.

Taking breaks or asking others to step in when needed is an important part of caregiving. Caregivers may also benefit from seeking information, practical support, or someone to talk to. Many people helping those affected by cancer do not always see themselves as caregivers, which may make it harder to access available help.

Support can come from a variety of sources, including healthcare professionals, counselors, support groups, friends and family, community organizations, and respite services. Books, podcasts, and online guides can also provide helpful information. These resources can support caregivers in looking after their own wellbeing while caring for someone with lung cancer.

References

National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of cancer terms. https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/. Accessed Mar 5, 2026.
National Cancer Institute. Support for caregivers of cancer patients. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/coping/caregiver-support. Updated Feb 3, 2025. Accessed Mar 5, 2026.
Carers UK. Identification. https://www.carersuk.org/policy-and-research/our-areas-of-policy-work/identification/. Accessed Mar 5, 2026.
Cancer Research UK. How to support someone with cancer. https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/coping/family-friends-caregivers/how-support-someone-with-cancer#practical-support. Last reviewed Mar 6, 2024. Accessed Mar 5, 2026.