Understanding the Survivor’s Experience

As a caregiver, it can be difficult to understand all the physical, mental, emotional, and practical changes a cancer survivor is experiencing throughout their journey. Anticipating the various challenges faced by survivors can help you react better as a caregiver. It is important to be aware of common unmet needs among cancer survivors as well as more complex issues in order to equip yourself to help minimize such difficulties.

Some aspects of the survivor's experience may include: 

• Anxiety

• Depression

• Neuropathy

• 'Chemobrain'

• Employment rights and benefits

• Health insurance coverage and medical expenses 

Being prepared to assist cancer survivors with adjusting to their new normal is a difficult task to navigate. Survivors’ experiences can range from chronic pain to mounting debt, with every survivor’s experience differing. There is an abundance of information available online, including blogs, support groups, discussion forums, and interactive websites from nationally-recognized survivorship organizations that can help you better understand this complex journey of survivorship. Cancer-focused organizations that provide evidence-based information, resources, tools, and advice for caregivers of cancer survivors’ experiences include:

• American Cancer Society
• LIVESTRONG Foundation
• American Society of Clinical Oncology
• The Edel Caregiver Institute
• National Cancer Institute
• National Comprehensive Cancer Network
• National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship

Additional organizations and resources can be found in our 'Educational Resource' section

Last Updated: 6/22/2021 11:56:08 AM