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Cancer Explained

Supporting Someone with Cancer

For caregivers and loved ones. Learn how to help with practical needs, care for yourself, talk with children, and navigate difficult moments together.

10 stepsAbout 53 min total

This learning path is educational only. It is not a treatment plan. Your healthcare team can help you understand what applies to your situation.

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  1. Read6 min

    Caring for someone with cancer

    Where to begin as a caregiver.

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  2. Read5 min

    Practical help

    Everyday tasks and how to organize support.

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  3. Read5 min

    Caregiver self-care

    Looking after your own wellbeing too.

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  4. Read5 min

    Avoiding burnout

    Recognizing and easing caregiver burnout.

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  5. Read5 min

    Talking with children

    Age-appropriate ways to talk about cancer.

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  6. Read5 min

    Emotions and cancer

    The feelings that come with a diagnosis.

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  7. Read6 min

    Financial and practical support

    Help with the costs of cancer care.

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  8. Read5 min

    Palliative care

    Comfort-focused care alongside treatment.

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  9. Tool5 min

    Questions to ask the team

    Prepare questions for appointments together.

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  10. Read6 min

    Advance care planning

    Planning ahead for future care wishes.

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Helpful words to know

Plain-language definitions in our glossary.

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Save questions for your doctor

Build a personalized list of questions to bring to your next appointment.

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NCI: Support for Caregivers (opens in a new tab)

Read the source material at the National Cancer Institute (cancer.gov).

Visit cancer.gov