When there is a diagnosis of breast cancer, attention naturally turns to the patient. However, loved ones and friends play an essential role behind the scenes of the care journey. Partners, children, parents, close friends and other family members… all can offer a sympathetic ear, support and companionship on a daily basis.
A caregiver is someone who helps a person who has lost their independence or is suffering from an illness, either temporary or long-term. The role can involve providing emotional support, assisting with day-to-day tasks or accompanying the person to medical appointments. It can be a rewarding experience that strengthens relationships. However, it can also bring many challenges that are still not discussed enough.
Challenges faced by caregivers
Studies have shown that taking on this role often carries a heavy emotional burden: stress, anxiety, fatigue, or even depression, all related to the shock of the diagnosis.
Uncertainty about the future also contributes. Moreover, it is difficult to balance caregiving, personal life and work, and the repercussions can be both psychological and physical, including sleep deprivation, burnout, disorganization…
Caregivers sometimes feel forgotten by the healthcare system. They feel that they are not listened to enough and are misunderstood. This increases their sense of isolation.
On top of this, there is often the financial burden associated with the illness, a matter that is seldom talked about. For the caregiver, frequent travel, absences from work or reduced working hours can undermine the household’s financial situation, impacting the budgets of patients and their families.
Possible solutions
Studies have shown that there are several tangible ways to support caregivers.
- Individual psychosocial interventions provide a space for listening and support. These sessions can also be an opportunity to discuss sensitive or taboo subjects that are often difficult to broach with the people who are receiving the support.
- Interventions to support the “dyad” (patient and caregiver) can strengthen communication and mutual understanding. These actions can foster a sense of togetherness and lighten the burden.
- Focus groups and support networks provide a place to share experiences, knowledge and resources. These welcoming spaces are for caregivers and encourage open exchange without judgment. They offer comfort to those dealing with the challenges of caregiving.
Taking a break
Seeking respite is also an effective way to be a better caregiver. CLSCs and community organizations offer home support services, helping with meals and housework, among other tasks. These services enable the caregiver to rest and recharge their batteries so that they can continue providing care with greater peace of mind.
Caring for oneself in order to be able to care for others
Caring for a loved one for the long term requires time, energy and resilience. To do this without becoming exhausted, it is important to take care of yourself.
Accept your limits and express your emotions. Learn about the illness and ask for help when necessary. It is also important to remember that one’s own well-being lays the foundation for compassionate and enduring caregiving.
There are resources available to support you. At the Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation, we offer psychosocial support services, in person or online, for both patients and their families and friends. Go here to find out more.
L’Appui pour les proches aidants, an organization that supports caregivers, also offers support, including focus groups, a helpline and numerous online resources on caregiving. Go here to learn more.
You are also taking care of yourself when you are willing to recognize that you cannot do everything; accepting help is an act of courage and love.
Sources
- Kim, Y., Carver, C. S., Shaffer, K. M., Gansler, T., & Cannady, R. S. (2015). Cancer caregiving predicts physical impairments: roles of earlier caregiving stress and being a spousal caregiver. Cancer, 121 (2), 302–310. https://doi.org/10.1002/cncr.29040
- L’Appui pour les proches aidants. (s.d.). Groupes de soutien. L’Appui pour les proches aidants. https://www.lappui.org/fr/je-suis-aidant/demarches-administratives/les-types-de-services/les-groupes-de-soutien/
- Li, Y., Li, J., Zhang, Y., Ding, Y., & Hu, X. (2022). The effectiveness of e-Health interventions on caregiver burden, depression, and quality of life in informal caregivers of patients with cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. International journal of nursing studies, 127, 104179. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2022.104179
- Société canadienne du cancer. (2025). Proches aidants. Société canadienne du cancer. https://cancer.ca/fr/living-with-cancer/helping-someone-with-cancer/caregiving
- Treanor C. J. (2020). Psychosocial support interventions for cancer caregivers: reducing caregiver burden. Current opinion in supportive and palliative care, 14(3), 247–262. https://doi.org/10.1097/SPC.0000000000000508
- PDQ Supportive and Palliative Care Editorial Board. (2016, 21 janvier). Family caregivers in cancer: Roles and challenges (Health professional version). In PDQ Cancer Information Summaries. National Cancer Institute (US). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK65845.2/?report=printable