Show the pancreatic cancer caregiver you know just how much you support and care for them

Have a friend who is caring for someone with pancreatic cancer? Show them just how much you care.

A friend, coworker or family member is caring for someone with pancreatic cancer. You want that person to also feel cared for, supported and loved through what can be a challenging time. But you’re not sure what to do or how to help.

This is an all-too-common scenario, but the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) has suggestions.

Below are seven ways you can show the caregiver in your life just how much you care for them:

  1. Offer to help in specific ways. Drop off a meal, clean the house, pick up their kids from school, or grab their dry cleaning, groceries or a prescription.
  2. Have patience and listen attentively to pick up on subtle or indirect ways they may be asking for help.
  3. Plan a fun activity you can do together. Make an appointment for a manicure or massage, sign up for a restorative yoga class, have a coffee date, go to a movie or plan a movie night at home.
  4. Offer to spend time with the patient so your friend can have a break to do something on their own.
  5. Tell them how special they are to you. Valentine’s Day is just around the corner – drop off a simple bouquet of flowers, a care package filled with their favorite things, or even a heartfelt, handwritten card.
  6. Listen attentively and without judgment. Caregiving can feel isolating. Ask how they’re doing and create a safe space for them to share their thoughts and feelings about what they’re going through.
  7. Make a donation in their name to a cause or organization they care about.
Contact a Patient Central Associate
For free, in-depth information about pancreatic cancer, including support resources, contact Patient Central.