Being the caregiver for a person experiencing cancer is a significant responsibility that comes with many challenges and demands, but it’s important to also support caregivers’ well-being during this difficult time.
“They can’t keep caring for someone if they’re burning out, or if they’re trying to burn the candle at both ends,” said Kristin Litzelman, PhD, associate professor of human development and family studies at the UW School of Human Ecology. “If they’re stressed and depressed and having a hard time processing and functioning, they’re not going to be able to give high-quality care.”
The complexities of caregiving and how to support people taking on this vital role are the theme of this year’s Carbone annual fall cancer conference. This conference, held Oct. 24 at Monona Terrace in Madison, Wis., is open to health care providers as well as cancer patients, caregivers and others interested in the topics. Full agenda details and registration can be found at ce.icep.wisc.edu/cancer2025.
Litzelman is among several expert speakers at the conference covering key issues in caregiving. Her research focuses on the dynamics of caregiving among families.
Caregivers devote a significant amount of time and energy to the needs of their patients, and it’s normal for caregivers to struggle with their own wellbeing. However, they may be hesitant to seek additional help or support even when that stress becomes overpowering.
“Of course they’re having a hard time, because they’re potentially in one of the hardest times of their lives, but it’s also something that is treatable,” Litzelman said of caregiver mental health concerns. “It’s a little bit tricky because depression and anxiety are really common among cancer caregivers and caregivers may not pursue treatment because there’s so many other things going on. But there are a lot of support resources out there for caregivers and connecting with support can make a big difference long term.”
Caregivers feeling consistently overwhelmed leads to higher levels of the stress response hormone cortisol, which can cause physical issues such as inflammation, suppressed immune response, repressed metabolism and higher blood pressure.
For those who are struggling, Litzelman said there are resources such as local cancer support organizations or talking with their own medical providers about treatment and support options. Family members, friends and neighbors can also support caregivers in simple but meaningful ways, such as making meals, doing household chores and offering times that they can stay with the patient so the caregiver can have a break. A key aspect is suggesting a specific task rather than a general offer of help.
“For every family and caregiver, what’s useful and acceptable for help is going to look different, but just offering something that could be considered useful is really helpful and it takes the burden off of the caregiver to figure out what help they need,” Litzelman said.
But the caregiving experience is not the same for every person or family, and there are people who describe it as a fulfilling bonding experience despite the challenges and anxiety. Litzelman said it’s important to take a holistic view.
“Yes, there are some caregivers who can say, ‘I’m thriving right now,’ but there’s a lot of caregivers that look at that and say, “You’re asking me to thrive when I’m barely keeping my head above water,’” Litzelman said. “We have to think about it as a wide spectrum, and knowing that wherever people fall on that, it’s normal and they’re in good company.”