Welcome to a brief update from Carer activist Matthew McKenzie on the national cancer carer forum.

This group is online and is a mix of a peer group and engagement for those who care for someone with cancer.

Quick update for the Cancer carer group October 2024

Matthew, a mental health advocate, hosted the National Cancer Carers Forum and discussed the challenges of being a cancer caregiver, emphasizing the importance of understanding the diagnosis and treatment plan, seeking support, and planning for the future.

Also discussed was practical day-to-day care for someone undergoing cancer treatment, the importance of self-reflection and mental health support for carers, and the need for caregivers to advocate for patients and manage potential side effects of treatments. The conversation ended with requests for future discussions on accessing clinical trials, supporting caregivers’ mental health, and guidance on what to do if the primary caregiver is unavailable.

Understanding Diagnosis and Treatment Plans

Matthew discussed the importance of understanding the diagnosis and treatment plan for a loved one, particularly in mental health cases. He emphasized the need to be aware of any side effects from medication or treatment and to relay these concerns to the healthcare professionals. Matthew also mentioned the potential for a future session focusing on engaging with the NHS professionals and understanding who to ask questions to at different stages of the cancer journey.

Cancer Caregiving, Self-Reflection, and Planning

Matthew discussed the importance of self-reflection and planning for future recovery and well-being, particularly in the context of cancer caregiving. He emphasized the need for mental health support for cancer carers emotional struggles and the importance of setting goals and monitoring changes in the condition of the loved one. Matthew also stressed the importance of educating oneself about the cancer condition and seeking support from different groups. He suggested that training and workshops could be beneficial for gaining insight and planning for the future

Caregiver Challenges and Emotional Support

Matthew discussed the challenges faced by caregivers in advocating for patients and managing potential side effects of treatments. He suggested that caregivers should attend medical appointments to stay informed and asked for questions to be emailed to him for further research. Matthew also emphasized the importance of emotional support for both the patient and the caregiver, suggesting that caregivers should be sensitive to the patient’s feelings and avoid constant positivity. He mentioned that he would run a group again in the next month to further discuss these topics.

This concludes the brief update of the National cancer care group for October