Caring for a parent with cancer? Follow this advice

Taking care of a loved one with cancer can be hard, no matter your relationship. For adult children of cancer patients, the changing role from child to caregiver can bring a unique set of challenges. 

A cancer diagnosis may be the first time your parent needs so much help from you. This shift in roles can take some getting used to. “Remember your parent is still an individual,” says Vinh Nguyen, M.D.

He shares four things to consider if you’re taking care of a parent with cancer.  

Learn your parent’s health history

Even the most organized patient can get overwhelmed by all of the information coming their way. You can support a parent with cancer by learning their medical history to help fill in the gaps for their care team.

Knowing things like which medications they take regularly as well as any allergies or past illnesses will help your parent’s care team create a personalized treatment plan for them. 

You can ask your parent to share this information with you directly, or you can ask for permission to view their MyChart account.  

Learning their full health history may require asking your parent some personal questions. If they’re not comfortable sharing everything with you, offer them privacy when they’re talking to their care team.  

“Give them an opportunity to be open and honest,” Nguyen says. 

Understand your parent’s goals for treatment

Cancer treatment can take a toll both emotionally and physically. Talk with your parent about their treatment options and goals for moving forward. Sometimes, their preferences may be different than decisions you’d make for yourself.  

“Your role is to support your parent and their personal treatment goals,” Nguyen says.

Asking follow-up questions of the care team will help you and your parent understand and prepare for treatment, as well as any side effects they may experience. 

“We all want more time with our loved ones,” Nguyen says. “But preserving quality of life is also important.” 

Even elderly patients with other health issues can make decisions about their care. But there may be times when you or your family have to make decisions on behalf of your parent. Talk to them about their wishes so you can feel confident in the event you have to make some difficult choices. 

“It can be empowering to make these decisions early in a cancer experience when patients may have a clearer grasp of the life they want to live,” Nguyen says. 

You may even consider having your parent put together a medical power of attorney, advanced directive or other document specifying who they want to make decisions for them if they can’t make decisions for themselves. 

MD Anderson patients can reach out to our Social Work department for help working through these decisions.  

Even if you’re not the medical decision maker for your parent, supporting them and helping them understand their treatment options will help. 

If they’re not ready to decide, you can also suggest taking time to think over their options before moving forward. 

“Very few decisions need to be made in the moment,” Nguyen says. “Take your time and weigh the pros and cons so you can help your parent make the best decision for them.” 

Take notes 

As a caregiver, you may be expected to share details of your parent’s treatment with other family members and friends. Bring a notebook to help you keep everything straight. 

“Write down the names of your parent’s care team, which medicines they’re taking, and any questions you may have,” Nguyen says. 

You can also include questions from other family members so that your parent doesn’t have to.  

Care for yourself

You probably have your own job, family and life going on outside of caring for your parent. Don’t forget to take care of yourself so you can continue offering support to them. 

If you’re feeling anxious, depressed or simply overwhelmed, talk to your own care team for guidance. You can also find a support group so you can connect with others who are in similar situations. MD Anderson offers virtual and in-person support groups for cancer patients and their families. You can also connect with someone through myCancerConnection, MD Anderson’s one-on-one cancer support community.

Also try to eat a balanced diet, avoid tobacco and drink alcohol in moderation.  

“Your health is important, too,” Nguyen says. “The best way to take care of someone else is to make sure that you’re healthy enough, both mentally and physically, to do so.” 

Request an appointment at MD Anderson online or by calling 1-877-632-6789.