How to care for a relative with cancer

Listen and respect wishes

Ask the patient what help they want and whom they wish to include in visits. Do not force them to talk about the illness or to be optimistic at all times. Fear, sadness and anger can appear without meaning a lack of will to be treated. Medical decisions are discussed with the patient according to their ability to decide. Do not replace clear information with promises that cannot be guaranteed.

Organize the care

• Keep an up-to-date list of medicines and timings.
• Write down the team’s contacts, including out-of-hours instructions.
• Help with transport, meals and household tasks.
• Record new symptoms and treatment dates.
• Share tasks among family members to avoid overload.

Ask for specific instructions on oral medicines, catheters and care after procedures. Do not improvise actions that require training.

Nutrition and protection from infection

Offer suitable and safe meals, without imposing restrictive diets. Weight loss, vomiting or difficulty swallowing should be reported to the team. The amount of fluid is adjusted if there is heart or kidney disease. Wash hands, avoid contact with sick people and follow the instructions for food and catheters. Cancer is not transmitted by hugging or ordinary contact; infection precautions are set according to treatment and immunity, because chemotherapy can lower the body’s defences.

Pain and palliative care

Do not let the patient suffer without seeking help. Palliative care aims to relieve pain and symptoms and to support the family. It can be given alongside anti-tumor treatment and is not limited to the last days of life.

Caring for the caregiver

Protect your rest, ask for help and talk to a professional when fatigue or anxiety become persistent. Support for the caregiver helps care to be sustainable. See also advice during cancer care.

Care at Tirana Polyclinic: we offer oncology consultation and guidance on managing symptoms and the needs of the family, in cooperation with the treating team. Specialized palliative care is arranged as needed at the relevant service.