4.6 Million Cancer Caregivers
As you may know, last month we conducted a survey of cancer caregivers to learn more about their needs and experiences. With over 11 million people in the United States battling cancer every year, it’s estimated that 4.6 million people will become a cancer caregiver, with the majority of them coming from the patient’s immediate family with little or no caregiving experience.
The caregiver is a vital part of the health care team, and is often involved in treatment decisions and adherence to treatment schedules. Thus, it’s important that this group has the necessary tools and resources available to help them provide the best care for their loved ones.
Cancer Caregiver Survey Results
We received great feedback, with over 300 responses from the cancer caregiver community, and today we published the results. The survey, entitled Cancer’s Untreated Side Effect, revealed that the physical, emotional and financial effects on caregivers are striking; additionally, there is a need for a complete library of support resources and education for cancer caregivers.
From the survey, half of caregivers (50%) reported their health was negatively affected as a result of their experience caring for a loved one with cancer, and 43% reported their employment or income was negatively affected as a consequence of being a caregiver.
Check out our overview of the survey results, or download a copy of the complete survey with all the questions and answers.
Cancer Caregiver Resource Library
In response to the survey results, we are assembling an online resource library with a robust caregiver component to showcase existing resources and gather ideas for new ones to better serve caregivers. This will be a collaborative process with caregivers, healthcare professionals and the advocacy community all coming together to pool their combined knowledge.
To help build the caregiver resource library, we are asking the cancer community to suggest ideas for new resources and/or links to existing ones. Everyone who suggests a resource by December 17 will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win a $25 gift card from Amazon.com.
With your help we can create the most comprehensive online resource library for cancer caregivers.