For millions of Americans, a cancer diagnosis affects more than just the patient. Family members, friends and loved ones often find themselves stepping into caregiving roles with little preparation and few resources. Recognizing that need, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) has released its first patient-focused guide dedicated entirely to helping caregivers navigate the challenges of supporting someone with cancer.
The new publication, NCCN Guidelines for Patients: Caregiving for People with Cancer, offers free, easy-to-understand guidance designed for anyone caring for a loved one during diagnosis, treatment and recovery. The guide marks the first time NCCN has produced a patient guideline specifically focused on the caregiver experience.
According to NCCN, roughly one-quarter of Americans provide care for a family member or friend, and many caregivers find themselves balancing work, family obligations and other responsibilities while helping a loved one manage cancer treatment. The new resource aims to provide practical tools and trusted information that can ease that burden.
The guide addresses a wide range of caregiving challenges, including emotional support, financial management, legal concerns, household responsibilities and medical care. It also offers explanations of complex medical terms, suggestions for communicating with healthcare providers and guidance on helping patients make informed treatment decisions.
“When a loved one is diagnosed with cancer, naturally, most people want to show up for them however they can,” said Dr. Anthea A. Gray of The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center–James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute. “But pretty quickly, many realize it’s not just about cancer. They’re also juggling everything else in their lives.”
Gray said caregivers often face uncertainty and stress while trying to make sense of complicated medical information. Having access to reliable, easy-to-find resources can help families feel more confident and prepared throughout the cancer journey.
The importance of trusted information is a message echoed by Heather Kopecky, a breast cancer survivor, researcher and member of the NCCN Foundation Board of Directors.
“When I was diagnosed with breast cancer, my background as a clinician and researcher led me to look for credible, evidence-based information,” Kopecky said. “The NCCN Guidelines for Patients gave me a way to understand the evidence, ask better questions and participate meaningfully in decisions about my own care.”
Kopecky said clear information did not eliminate the fear that comes with a cancer diagnosis, but it empowered her to better understand treatment options and advocate for herself.
The guideline also highlights the challenges faced by caregivers themselves. NCCN reports that more than 70% of caregivers are balancing employment and other responsibilities, while 60% live separately from the person receiving care. To address those realities, the publication includes “Caregiver’s Corner” features and an entire chapter devoted to caregiver well-being and self-care.
Patrick Delaney, executive director of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network Foundation, said the resource was created in response to the growing number of people taking on caregiving responsibilities.
“As more people are diagnosed with cancer every day, more loved ones are stepping into support roles, often for the first time,” Delaney said. “We wanted to meet this growing need by providing access to a free, dedicated resource specifically for caregivers.”
The caregiving guide becomes the newest addition to NCCN’s library of more than 75 patient guidelines covering nearly every type of cancer, along with prevention, screening and supportive care topics. Those resources are updated annually and are available free of charge, with many translated into Spanish and other languages.
The NCCN Guidelines for Patients: Caregiving for People with Cancer can be downloaded free through NCCN’s patient resources website and through the NCCN Patient Guides for Cancer mobile app.
Beyond the publication, NCCN continues to expand support for patients and caregivers through educational webinars and advocacy efforts. The organization plans to host a Patient Advocacy Summit focused on advancing family-centered cancer care in December and is developing future discussions on strengthening support systems for caregivers worldwide.
For families navigating a cancer diagnosis, NCCN leaders say the message is simple: caregivers need support too, and reliable information can make a meaningful difference for both patients and the people who care for them.
