According to the American Cancer Society, by the end of 2019, there will have been an estimated 1,762,450 new cancer cases and 606,880 cancer deaths in the United States, which is about three new cases and one death every minute (2019). The 2019 estimates for Kentucky, which has the highest mortality rate in the United States, include 26,400 new cases and 10,580 deaths. Many of today’s cancer patients receive treatments at outpatient centers instead of hospitals. That means more patients, even those who are actively sick, are sent home where they may need day-to-day care and support (American Cancer Society, 2019). As a patient’s needs change with the course of the disease and/or treatment, it is common for caregiver roles to change. As a result, a primary cancer caregiver may wear many hats. They may serve as a companion, home health aide, driver, chef, housekeeper, accountant, or appointment maker. 

 To highlight cancer caregiving and caregiver preparation, the FCS agent in Owsley County taught the Kick Kentucky Cancer: Many Hats of Cancer Caregiving lesson. Twenty seven people attended the program, and twenty seven completed post-lesson evaluations. Specifically, 100% reported that they are more aware of the emotional and physical demands of cancer caregiving.  One hundred percent know how important it is to learn about the disease, specific diagnosis, side effects, and what will happen during the course of the disease. One hundred percent reported learning useful questions to ask health-care professionals and cancer caregiving teams. One hundred percent reported being able to identify appropriate things to say, and one hundred percent reported that they have a better sense of what to do for someone with cancer because of the program.  One hundred percent of participants reported that the lesson taught them how to better take care of themselves. In summary, Many Hats, increased 90% participants’ understanding about the importance of cancer caregiver preparation. 100% participants are White, Black, Asian, etc. They range in age from 19-85 plus. Ninety-three percent are female. Eighteen percent are current cancer caregivers.

Participants reported learning valuable lessons like:

1. Being aware of the things that I say.
2. Keeping a list of questions to ask the doctor. 
3. To take care of myself.