The American Cancer Society estimates that one in three Californians have served as an unpaid caregiver for someone with cancer, with 72 percent caring for an immediate family member. When providing care to a loved one battling cancer, support for the caregiver can be overlooked.

Recognizing the demanding, exhausting and critical role caregiver’s play, the organization provides free services to assist patients and caregivers alike. The Society is a professional resource that provides objective support to emotionally empower both patients and caregivers facing cancer.

By calling (800) ACS-2345, patients and caregivers can speak with specially trained staff who can guide them to services offered by the Society. The toll-free support line is available to offer information, day-to-day help and emotional support 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The Society has information on more than 4,000 different resources and services available throughout California to assist caregivers who need help providing the best possible care. Free resources and programs for cancer patients, family members and caregivers include:

Free Rides To And From Treatment
Cancer patients usually are too exhausted to drive to treatment and their caregivers often have limited time during the day to help given their work responsibilities. Free transportation to and from treatment is available throughout the state. Appointments for pickup can be scheduled by calling the Society’s toll-free number.

Support Groups And Services

• I Can Cope is an educational program for people facing cancer, either personally or as a friend or family caregiver.
• Man to Man is a program that helps men cope with prostate cancer by providing community-based education and support to patients and their family members.
• Reach to Recovery is a one-on-one service that helps patients cope with breast cancer by sharing their experiences with other breast cancer survivors in a comfortable setting.
• Look Good...Feel Better is a service that teaches female cancer patients beauty techniques to help restore their appearance and self-image during chemotherapy and radiation treatments.

When providing care to a loved one battling cancer, support for the caregiver should not be overlooked. Fortunately, ACS recognizes the importance of this demanding role and offer such help. (NAPSI)