Family and Friends

After receiving a cancer diagnosis, your friend or family member will be gathering information and making treatment decisions. Navigating the healthcare system — the tests, doctor’s appointments, figuring out insurance, and more — can feel overwhelming. We provide resources, tips, and guides that can help them gain a sense of control as they face decisions about their treatment and care. 

Cancer is treated in a multidisciplinary way, meaning several different types of healthcare professionals will be managing your friend or family member's care. Their active participation in the choices they make with their healthcare team can make a big difference in their cancer experience and quality of life.

Life is different after cancer. Your friend or family member will need to find a “new normal.” Their health after treatment may be different than it was before they started treatment. Find tips to maintain a healthy lifestyle, manage long-term health concerns, and create a new normal.

Recurrence is a distressing event. This is a time when your friend or family member will need support, but it also is a time when communication can be difficult. While it's normal to worry about cancer coming back, that doesn't mean your friend or family member has to be burdened by it. There are many ways they can manage this distress.

Cancer patients with metastatic disease must manage symptoms and tackle hard conversations, and they may struggle with their emotions. Family and friends can help by understanding the common emotions associated with metastatic cancer and stress management techniques that can help them cope.

The ripples of a cancer diagnosis extend to spouses, partners, siblings, children, and friends. Many of these family members will find they now need to take on the role of caregiver — something they have never done before. Becoming a caregiver may seem scary or overwhelming at first. Know that you are not alone. There are programs and services that can help you as you care for your loved one.