Role of the Care Partner
Panelists highlight that being a care partner is one of the most challenging roles, requiring emotional resilience, coordination, and support, and emphasize the importance of viewing it as a true partnership that addresses both patient and caregiver well-being throughout the cancer journey.
Having the role of a care partner is one of the hardest jobs in the world. Before a loved one is diagnosed, life is often full and busy with work, family, and everyday routines. Then suddenly, everything changes with a diagnosis filled with unfamiliar terms and added stress, doctor visits, and new responsibilities. Those first few months can be overwhelming, requiring a lot of coordination and patience. The more support and connection a care partner can find—whether through family, friends, or community resources—the better they can manage the challenges over time.
The job of a care partner often shifts between being a cheerleader, offering encouragement, and being a realist, helping to plan around difficult days or symptoms. Care partners frequently know the patient best and can help keep them honest during medical visits by gently addressing issues that might otherwise be overlooked. This role requires balancing many emotions and responsibilities, and it’s more helpful to think of it as a partnership rather than just caregiving. Both patient and care partner share the burden and decisions, working together to follow treatment plans and face the journey ahead.
It’s important to recognize that the physical and emotional toll on care partners can be significant. Care partners themselves can experience anxiety, depression, and stress, so supporting their well-being is crucial. When care partners are strong—physically and mentally—they can better support patients, improving overall outcomes. Navigating cancer is truly a partnership, one that demands attention to both the patient’s and the care partner’s needs to face the disease together with strength and resilience.
Oncology Nurses Provide Patients an Avenue to Supportive Care
November 12th 2019Palliative care is often associated with a patient entering end of life treatment and giving up on their treatment, but that isn't the reality of what id can do for patients. And oncology nurses can help guide patients to the right supportive care for them.
Hyman B. Muss Discusses the Importance of Nurses in Treating Pregnant Women With Breast Cancer
March 23rd 2016Hyman B. Muss, MD, professor of medicine at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine, discusses the vital roles that nurses play when it comes to treating pregnant women with breast cancer.
