Vol. 11, Issue 5, Part F (2025)

Abstract

Cancer caregiving is an important but often disregarded part of the healthcare continuum. While much emphasis is placed on cancer patients' diagnosis, treatment, and recovery, the experiences and hardships of informal caregivers typically family members or close friends receive relatively little attention. This study investigates the multiple issues faced by cancer caregivers by a secondary examination of current literature, both global and India-specific. It highlights major stressors such as emotional tiredness, financial stress, physical fatigue, social isolation, and a lack of institutional support.

The caring position frequently emerges unexpectedly, with individuals taking on essential obligations without formal training or access to resources. In many cultural contexts, particularly in countries such as India, caregiving is strongly established in household obligations and is primarily performed by women, exacerbating gendered roles and inequities. The emotional toll of watching a loved one's suffering, along with structural gaps in caregiver inclusion in medical decision-making, contributes to elevated levels of psychological distress.

This paper uses a thematic review approach to combine information from several academic sources, providing a thorough picture of the caregiver experience. It also investigates relevant theoretical frameworks and makes policy recommendations to effectively include caregiver support into healthcare planning. The study finds that understanding and meeting the needs of caregivers is critical for enhancing patient outcomes and public health. Caregivers are more than just auxiliary supporters; they are essential to the healing process and must be recognized, supported, and empowered appropriately.