Article

Helping Patients and Their Family Caregivers Cope With Cancer

Laurel Northouse
family caregivers, cancer
ONF 2012, 39(5), 500-506. DOI: 10.1188/12.ONF.500-506

Family caregivers face multiple demands as they care for their loved ones with cancer, and these demands have increased dramatically in recent years. Patients with cancer now receive toxic treatments in outpatient settings and return home to the care of their family members. Some patients receive in-home infusions, which were unheard of a few years ago. Family caregivers provide tasks that were previously provided by nurses; however, caregivers lack the educational preparation that nurses receive.

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