Caring for someone with early breast cancer

Many Australians diagnosed with breast cancer will have a partner, family member or friend who provides regular support, personal care or assistance to them, both during and after treatment.

There are almost 2.7 million carers in Australia, however many people who provide support to someone with breast cancer do not see themselves as a ‘carer’.

If you know someone diagnosed with breast cancer, you may feel like you are just doing what is right by helping out. You may clean their house, cook meals or drive them to appointments – all tasks that carers do.

It is normal for many carers to experience a range of complex and difficult emotions along the cancer journey. It is important to know that you are not alone facing the challenges associated with being a carer. BCNA has compiled the below information and support for carers, including a video series and fact sheets to guide you in caring for someone with breast cancer.

Please take some time to look through the two videos below. Each video has an accompanying fact sheet that covers most of the topics mentioned in the videos.

Caring for someone with early breast cancer - what to expect and how to help

In this video, Psycho-Oncologist Jane Fletcher explains the range of emotions carers may be feeling following a family member or friend's breast cancer diagnosis.

Carers of women with breast cancer also talk about the practical ways they have helped during their loved one's cancer journey.

Watch Caring for someone with early breast cancer - what to expect and how to help (with captions).

You can also download a fact sheet, Caring for someone with early breast cancer: what to expect and how to help.

You’re important too - looking after yourself as a carer

In this video, Psycho Oncologist Jane Fletcher and carers of people with breast cancer talk about the importance of taking time out to care for your own health and wellbeing during your loved one's breast cancer journey. They also mention practical tips and ways you can look after yourself and seek support.

Watch You’re important too - looking after yourself as a carer (with captions).

You can also download a PDF of You're important too - looking after yourself as a carer.

Information for partners

People often tell us that they feel shock, disbelief, fear and uncertainty when diagnosed with breast cancer. As the partner of a person who has been diagnosed, your feelings can be similar.

It’s normal for partners to feel overwhelmed and to experience a whole range of emotions: shock, numbness, uncertainty, fear, helplessness, sadness, anger, depression or anxiety.

There is advice on how to support a partner with breast cancer as well as tips on looking after yourself on Information for partners.

Information for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ+) partners

LGBTIQ+ partners can have unique needs and concerns in addition to the concerns that all partners experience. You may worry about how members of the treatment team respond to LGBTIQ+ couples.

You may also be concerned about being excluded from important decisions involving your partner or not being recognised as a partner or carer by health professionals. It is helpful to seek care from a medical team who is sensitive to your needs, respects your privacy and encourages you to be involved.

Specific information and support for same-sex couples can be found on Information for same-sex partners.

Support for family members in a carer role

Other than partners, family members can also take on a caring role, either as a sole carer or someone who shares caring responsibilities with others. You might find it helpful to get access to practical support, counselling and peer support.

Carers Australia has information and advice for carers and their families about carer supports and services. Call Carer Gateway 1800 422 737.

Young Carers Australia provides information and support for carers up to the age of 25.

Information for friends and colleagues

If you’re a friend or colleague of a person diagnosed with breast cancer, it may be hard to know how to help or support them on this journey.

Helping a friend or colleague with breast cancer has suggestions from women who have had breast cancer, or download BCNA’s brochure, Helping a friend or colleague with breast cancer.