Support through
cancer and loss.
Practical and emotional support for older adults living with cancer, people caring for someone, and anyone grieving a death from cancer.
Explore support
What brings you here today?
I’m living with cancer
Make room for what you’re feeling and prepare for a conversation with your care team.
Support for youI’m caring for someone
Find ways to share everyday responsibilities and ask for help for yourself.
Support for caregiversSomeone I love died
Find a small step for today and options for talking with someone about your loss.
Support after a lossLiving with cancer
Think of one thing you want your care team to know. It could be about how you feel, a worry you have at home, or a question you keep meaning to ask.
Questions for your next visit
- I’ve been feeling overwhelmed. Who can I talk to about how I’m feeling?
- Is there a counselor, social worker, or support group you can connect me with?
- Who should I call if I have a question between visits?
If it would help to have company, ask someone you trust to come with you and take notes.
Caring for someone
Choose one thing someone else could do this week. A specific request gives the other person an easy way to help.
Three ways to ask for help
- “Could you bring dinner on Thursday?”
- “Could you drive us to the appointment next week?”
- “Could you stay for an hour so I can take a break?”
Ask the cancer care team about local caregiver groups or services that can give you a break.
After someone dies
People grieve in different ways. If you’d like some company today, you could ask someone you trust to call, come over, or take a walk with you.
Finding grief support
- Start with a simple message. “I’m having a hard day. Could we talk for a few minutes?”
- If your loved one received hospice care, ask their hospice team about grief support.
- If you’d like to speak with a counselor or find a grief group, ask your doctor about options nearby or online.
Find more support
Ask your cancer care team, family doctor, or local hospice what’s available near you.
CancerCare support groups
Online groups led by oncology social workers for people with cancer, caregivers, and people who have lost someone. Available to residents of the U.S., Puerto Rico, and other U.S. territories.
Finding a cancer support group
The U.S. National Cancer Institute explains support group options for people with cancer and their families.
Recursos sobre el cáncer en español
Spanish-language information on coping with cancer from the U.S. National Cancer Institute.