Author: Sheila Fawbush
Planning Unit: Shelby County CES
Major Program: Family Development General
Plan of Work: Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices
Outcome: Initial Outcome
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:
Three things that participants will do as a result of the program:
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