According to the American Cancer Society (2021), one in three people will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. In 2021, the American Cancer Society predicts an estimated 1,898,160 new cancer cases and 608,570 cancer deaths. This equates to 5,200 news cases and 1,670 deaths—DAILY. The CDC (2021) reports that cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States (2021). The 2021 estimates for Kentucky, which has the highest mortality rate in the United States, include 30,270 new cases and 10,090 deaths (American Cancer Society, 2021). 

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 Shelby County Family and Consumer Sciences Agent taught the Kick Kentucky Cancer: Caring for Someone with Cancer lesson.  Ten people attended the program, and eight completed post-lesson evaluations. The eight participants represented five different Kentucky counties.  

Specifically, 100% of participants reported that they are more aware of the emotional and physical demands of cancer caregiving. 100% of participants know how important it is to learn about the disease, specific diagnosis, side effects, and what will happen during the course of the disease. 100% of participants reported learning useful questions to ask health-care professionals and cancer caregiving teams. 100% of participants reported being able to identify appropriate things to say, and 100% of participants reported that they have a better sense of what to do for someone with cancer because of the program. 100% of the participants also reported that the lesson taught them how to better take care of themselves. 

In summary, 100% of the participants reported that the Caring for Someone with Cancer lesson increased their understanding about the importance of cancer caregiver preparation. 

All participants reported that the program met expectations, was informational, and worthy of their time and effort. 

Three things that participants learned include:

1. Be understanding of patient even on their hardest days. Take care of myself emotionally and physically. Do what you can to lift the emotions of the loved one.
2. The phrase "So good to see you today" no matter how rough the patient may look, about available resources to give the caregiver a break, how important it is to gather a team for support
3. What to ask a physician during an appointment. What to say to a cancer patient when I visit them. That there is a support system available for the caretakers
4. WHAT TO SAY, WHAT NOT TO SAY, JUST BE THERE
5. How to care for yourself as a How to better care for a sick person
6. How to be a better caregiver Questions to ask if someone or myself gets cancer in my family How to take care of myself, so I can take care of them.
7. There are resources available. 2. Caregivers must have help. 3. How to talk with a person with cancer.

Three things that participants will do as a result of the program:

1. Continue to learn as much as possible about cancer.  Be empathic towards people affected by cancer. Reach out to see how I can help.
2. Be more aware of people's needs, be a better listener, be a better friend.
3. Ask the physician what choice he/she would make when making decisions for a loved one. Make a list of questions before going to a doctor's appointment. Make time for myself or help with someone's care so their caregiver can take a break.
4. BE MOR UNDERSTANDING BE MORE PATIENT BE MORE TOLERABLE
5. Take better care of myself Share information with others.
6. How to be a better caregiver.   Questions to ask if someone or myself gets cancer in my family.   How to take care of myself, so I can take care of them.
7. Be on the lookout for someone who is caregiving that I may offer help. 2. Tell others in the community about the importance of caring for the caregiver. 3. Build a support system for when the time comes that I may need the help either as a caregiver or one being cared for.