Is there one right way to be a cancer caregiver?

No, there isn't one right way to be a cancer caregiver. Every caregiving situation is different, because it depends on the needs of the person with cancer, their treatment, and your own circumstances.

Caregiving can include practical help like preparing food or driving to appointments, giving medicines or helping with clinical tasks such as physical therapy, helping with personal care like bathing, coordinating care from a distance by phone or email, and giving emotional and spiritual support. Some caregivers do a bit of everything; others focus on one or two areas while other family members or friends fill in the rest.

Your role as a caregiver may also change over time. You might start out mostly driving to appointments, then take on more hands-on care later, or step back as your loved one recovers. All of this is normal.

If you're not sure what kind of help is most needed right now, it can help to ask the health care team directly, and to talk with family about who can take on which tasks. There's no wrong way to show up for someone you love — what matters is that they feel supported.