PLYMOUTH MEETING, PA — The National Comprehensive Cancer Network has published its first patient guideline dedicated to cancer caregivers, expanding its clinical education resources to address the medical, financial and personal responsibilities facing millions of Americans who support relatives and loved ones undergoing treatment.
The free guide, NCCN Guidelines for Patients: Caregiving for People with Cancer, provides practical information on managing cancer-related care while addressing the physical and emotional demands placed on caregivers.
The Plymouth Meeting-based nonprofit alliance of cancer centers developed the resource to help people navigate responsibilities that often extend beyond medical appointments and treatment decisions.
The guideline covers emotional support, household management, financial obligations, legal concerns and medical responsibilities, including medication administration and assistance with health care decisions.
Its publication addresses a substantial caregiving burden. According to NCCN, approximately one-quarter of Americans provide support to a loved one, while at least 70% of caregivers balance those responsibilities with employment or other obligations.
About 60% live separately from the person receiving care, creating additional challenges involving transportation, coordination and daily assistance.
The guide includes explanations of cancer diagnoses and treatment, medical terminology and questions caregivers can raise with health care professionals.
It also provides guidance on supporting patients through treatment decisions and managing practical responsibilities that can accompany prolonged illness.
A dedicated chapter addresses caregiver well-being, while recurring sections titled “Caregiver’s Corner” offer recommendations for managing stress and maintaining personal health.
Anthea A. Gray, PsyD, of The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, emphasized the importance of accessible information for people assuming caregiving responsibilities.
“When a loved one is diagnosed with cancer, naturally, most people want to show up for them however they can. But pretty quickly, many realize it’s not just about cancer,” Gray explained. “They’re also juggling everything else in their lives.”
The resource is designed for both experienced caregivers and individuals taking on the role for the first time, including those without medical training.
Heather Kopecky, PhD, MBA, PCC, a member of the NCCN Foundation Board of Directors who has experienced cancer as a nurse, patient and caregiver, described the value of evidence-based guidance in navigating treatment.
“Knowledge didn’t take away the fear, but it gave me the ability to understand my choices and have a voice in my care,” Kopecky stated.
The publication is funded by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network Foundation and is available without charge at NCCN.org/patients and through the NCCN Patient Guides for Cancer App.
The digital edition includes links to outside organizations, websites and mobile applications offering additional support.
Patrick Delaney, executive director of the NCCN Foundation, described the publication as an extension of the organization’s existing patient education program.
“The creation of this resource recognizes that care partners should have evidence-based information to guide their own journey,” Delaney noted.
The new guide joins more than 75 NCCN patient guidelines addressing cancer types, prevention, screening and supportive care.
The organization updates each guideline at least annually to reflect changes in cancer treatment and clinical evidence.
All guidelines are available in English, with many translated into Spanish and selected publications offered in additional languages.
NCCN also provides free educational webinars for patients and caregivers through its patient resources program.
The organization plans to address broader caregiver support policies during its Patient Advocacy Summit on Dec. 3, 2026, focused on advancing family-centered cancer care in the United States.
The summit will examine caregiver education and training, government assistance and other measures intended to strengthen support for patients and their families. Registration information is available at NCCN.org/summits.
NCCN’s Global Policy team also plans a November 2027 webinar examining efforts to improve caregiver support internationally, with additional information available at NCCN.org/global-policy.
The caregiver guideline is available at NCCN.org/patients, providing families and other care partners with free access to information on medical coordination, practical assistance and maintaining their own well-being during cancer treatment.
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