Understanding and Supporting Informal Cancer Caregivers

Abstract

Opinion statement Informal caregivers invest a significant amount of time and effort to provide cancer patients with physical, psychological, information, and social support. These challenging tasks can harm their own health and well-being, while a series of social-ecological factors may also influence the outcomes of cancer caregiving. Several instruments have been developed to help clinicians and researchers understand the multi-dimensional needs and concerns of caregivers. A growing body of evidence indicates that supportive interventions including psychoeducation, skills training, and therapeutic counseling can help improve the burden, information needs, coping strategies, physical functioning, psychological well-being, and quality of life of caregivers. However, there is difficulty in translating research evidence into practice. For instance, some supportive interventions tested in clinical trial settings are regarded as inconsistent with the actual needs of caregivers. Other significant considerations are the lack of well-trained interdisciplinary teams for supportive care provision and insufficient funding. Future research should include indicators that can attract decision-makers and funders, such as improving the efficient utilization of health care services and satisfaction of caregivers. It is also important for researchers to work closely with key stakeholders, to facilitate evidence dissemination and implementation, to benefit caregivers and the patient.

A cross-sectional study of psychopathology, quality of life and caregiver burden in caregivers of cancer patients

“…Especially in CGs of advanced cancer patients receiving palliative care needed long hours of caregiving, which had a greater impact on their incomes and further deteriorated their economic status. Molassiotis, A. et al found that low-income levels affected the caregiving process adversely and that CGs with highincome levels had a significant and positive effect on life satisfaction [5].…”

“…Diagnosis of cancer in the family impairs family function, which was significantly associated with depression and anxiety in both patients and caregivers. Increased demand for care and support from CG during treatment of terminal stage of illness, palliative care increases the vulnerability to psychological problems like anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder in CG compared to cancer patients [5][6][7].…”

Depression among caregivers of cancer patients: Updated systematic review and meta‐analysis

“…A global level systematic review and meta‐analysis reported a pooled prevalence of 42.3% depression and 46.55% anxiety among caregivers of Cancer patients 20 . Surprisingly, this high burden of mental health problems among caregivers didn't get attention and is subsequently not yet addressed clinically 21 …”

“…sequently not yet addressed clinically. 21 Caregivers' mental health can be enhanced by providing routine psychosocial support. [22][23][24] Further, health policymakers should develop evidence-based interventions capable of improving caregivers' physical and psychological well-being.…”

“… 20 Surprisingly, this high burden of mental health problems among caregivers didn't get attention and is subsequently not yet addressed clinically. 21 …”