National Carers Week: Support for carers of cancer patients

cancer patients

Anyone at any time can become a carer and the caring role varies depending on the situation.

National Carers Week (October 13-19) provides an opportunity to celebrate the 2.7 million unpaid carers in Australia and the highly valuable community service they perform.

One in two Queenslanders will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lifetime and the role of carers in supporting these people, to help them achieve the best possible quality of life, is of crucial importance.

Many carers for cancer patients provide emotional and practical support.

This can include doing household chores, providing transport, helping with personal care, communicating with family and friends, and providing encouragement, comfort and understanding.

At Cancer Council Queensland, we value carers for all their contributions, but understand the challenges that come with their role. That’s why we want to remind everyone that carers need care too.

Carers can experience confusion, stress and mental health challenges, with relationships, finances and overall well-being all often being impacted.

We urge carers of people with cancer to seek the support services available at Cancer Council Queensland.

A call to Cancer Council’s 13 11 20 can provide carers with access to support, information and resources – or simply a listening ear if needed.

For more information about Cancer Council Queensland’s support services, click here.