Are you a caregiver?

You might already be one. Here’s what that can look like.

A caregiver is anyone who helps another person manage their health, daily needs, or overall well-being—often without pay. You might be a caregiver if you:

  • Help a family member, partner, friend, or neighbor with everyday tasks

  • Coordinate or attend medical appointments

  • Manage medications or health-related needs

  • Provide emotional support, check-ins, or advocacy

  • Assist with household responsibilities or transportation

  • Step in regularly because someone relies on you

If you see yourself in any of these roles, you can identify as a family caregiver—even if you’ve never used that term before. Caregiving looks different for everyone, but every caregiver plays a vital role and deserves recognition and support.

The Caregiver’s Role

Helping Manage Symptoms, Treatment, and Care

Lung cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers worldwide and can affect people with or without a history of smoking. Treatment may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, or a combination depending on the type and stage of the cancer.

Symptoms may not appear in the early stages but can include a persistent or worsening cough, coughing up blood, difficulty breathing, frequent respiratory infections, and persistent pain in the chest, upper back, or shoulder. Caregivers often help manage treatment schedules, monitor symptoms, coordinate care across specialists, and provide emotional support throughout diagnosis and treatment.

Top 3 Things Caregivers Should Know

Treatment Plans Can Be Complex and Evolving

Lung cancer treatment may include multiple therapies that change over time. Caregivers often help coordinate appointments, track medications, communicate with oncology teams, and monitor side effects.

Symptoms and Side Effects Require Regular Supervision

Fatigue, shortness of breath, pain, appetite changes, and treatment-related side effects can impact daily life. Caregivers often assist with symptom management, transportation to treatment, and supporting rest and recovery.

Emotional Support Is Crucial

A lung cancer diagnosis can bring anxiety, grief, and uncertainty. Caregivers benefit from connecting with other caregivers, counseling and therapy resources, and support groups to help manage the emotional burden of caregiving.

Caregiver Resources from Our Partners

SUPPORT

Caregiver Resource Center

Offers information and practical tools specifically for lung cancer caregivers, including guidance on the caregiver role, asking for help, managing fatigue, legal and financial concerns, and finding support

SUPPORT

Lung Cancer Support & Navigation

Provides one-on-one assistance, peer support, educational materials, treatment and clinical trial navigation, support groups, and other resources for people with lung cancer and their caregivers.

ONLINE ARTICLE

Lung Cancer Information, Screening & Treatment Guidance

Provides expert information about lung cancer, including symptoms, screening, diagnosis, biomarker testing, treatment options, and available support resources.

SUPPORT

Lung Cancer Counseling & Support Resources

Offers professional support for people affected by lung cancer, including counseling, support groups, educational resources, financial assistance, and help navigating the challenges of diagnosis and treatment.

Caregiver Action Network Resources

Explore Your Community Support Options

Personalized Guidance from Caregiving Experts

Personalized Guidance from Caregiving Experts

Available Monday-Friday from 8am – 7pm ET, our experts are ready with the personalized support, guidance, and assistance you need and deserve–for as long as you need it.

(855) 227-3640

24/7 Access to Hundreds of Helpful Resources

24/7 Access to Hundreds of Helpful Resources

The National Caregiver Help Desk App, powered by Carallel, is full of bite-sized resources crafted to help you build skills, validate what you’re feeling, and help you get stuff done.

Use Access Code: CAN

Connection & Community with Other Caregivers

Expert-Led Virtual Fireside Chats

These 30-minute virtual fireside chats address the complex and often difficult topics encountered by caregivers. Sessions are led by Matt Perrin, Carallel’s Director of Caregiver Engagement, and Sheila Schultz, a Carallel Care Advocate.

Community with Other Caregivers

Community With Other Caregivers

Through CAN, Carallel Support Groups give you a place to ask questions, feel understood, and build confidence in your caregiving journey. Access is simple and available when you need it.

Certified Listeners

Connect with Certified Listeners

Looking for someone who really gets it? Get matched with trained listeners who share your lived experience—whether that’s caring for someone with Alzheimer’s, cancer, or another chronic condition.

Facebook Support Group for Caregivers

Online Support Group on Facebook

Join our caregiver community on Facebook to connect with thousands of peers in a welcoming, supportive space.
Ask questions, share experiences, and receive advice any time of day.

We’re meeting caregivers where they are—giving you choices for how you want to connect, whether through expert advice, peer-to-peer empathy, or live support groups.