Leaders in the patient advocacy space came together for a wide-ranging study on the often-overlooked challenges faced by caregivers of cancer patients, with Tracy Moore, LCSW, who serves as Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance’s Vice President, Support & Education, contributing on behalf of the gynecologic cancer community. Published in Future Oncology, the study identifies four critical unmet needs for cancer caregivers:
- Clear cancer care information: Caregivers need understandable information to help them and their loved ones make informed treatment decisions.
- Involvement in critical cancer care conversations: Clear communication between caregivers and medical teams can help the caregiver better understand how to support their loved one.
- Emotional support: Counseling and therapy options for caregivers are often lacking but can be crucial to their mental health.
- Practical and financial support: The demands of caregiving can disrupt caregivers’ ability to work, increasing the need for practical assistance.
While efforts to address these needs have been made, significant gaps remain.
This collaborative study included co-authors from 20+ patient advocacy groups, with Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance representing the ovarian and wider gynecologic cancer community. The study was made possible with funding from Pfizer.
OCRA offers support for caregivers and loved ones of those impacted by gynecologic cancer through our Staying Connected Support Series, Woman to Woman Peer Mentor Program, and more. Learn more about OCRA’s caregiver support programs.
