A: Caregiving requires good communication on the part of patient and caregiver. Start by asking your loved one how you can help. Find out what is most difficult to do or painful. Offer to perform chores and run errands and ask if it would be helpful for you to accompany your loved one to doctor appointments. A second set of ears is often helpful.

Learn as much as you can about your loved one’s treatment and what side effects are likely to occur and how long they will last.

Keep in mind that cancer treatments usually cause fatigue, so don’t over schedule or push the individual to do too much.

Be alert for signs of pain, depression or confusion that might require medical attention and notify the doctor of these symptoms.

A: To locate a support group, start by asking your doctor, nurse or social worker. Most hospitals have a department of social services that can recommend nearby support groups. The American Cancer Society maintains a list of thousands of support groups (call 800-ACS-2345). Also, the National Cancer Institute has a fact sheet entitled  “National Organizations That Offer Services to People With Cancer and Their Families.” It is available online at http://cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/support/organizations or by calling 1-800-422-6237.

A: Yes. Caregivers face their own challenges when a loved one has cancer, and support groups specifically for caregivers can help them cope with their emotions and find solutions to myriad practical matters, including the need to make time for themselves.

A: Participation in a support group helps people with cancer—and their families—in many ways. Evidence shows that support groups help to reduce depression and anxiety related to cancer concerns, enhance self-esteem and improve relationships with family and friends, according to the American Association for Cancer Research. Support groups also provide a forum for discussing practical concerns, from treatment side effects to insurance complications.

Some support groups meet regularly in person. Others operate online or by phone. Some are tailored to a particular illness or to particular family members. For instance, groups exist for adolescents and spouses. Look for one that is welcoming, comfortable and feels right.

A: Hair loss often occurs after chemotherapy and radiation. However, not all chemotherapy drugs cause hair to fall out, and hair loss after radiation occurs only in the area treated. In both cases, hair loss is temporary and grows back after treatment ends.

Before treatment begins, ask your doctor what to expect. Some people have their hair cut very short and get fitted for a wig at the start of treatment. Your loved one should avoid using harsh products on her hair during treatment and handle her hair gently. Scarves, caps and other hats are popular alternatives to wigs.

A: Many people work during their cancer treatment, although that decision is highly individual. The decision will take into account the type of cancer and its treatment as well as the specific job requirements. Surgery usually necessitates some time off, and chemotherapy and radiation appointments can disrupt one’s work schedule and cause fatigue and nausea.  Some cancer patients choose to work part-time during and after treatment, while others modify their work schedule, working at peak energy times or telecommuting (working from home). Or there’s the possibility of asking for a less demanding job within the same company.

Maintaining good communication with an employer is essential. After your loved one discusses with the doctor how his illness can affect his career, he should inform his employer of his diagnosis and treatment plan. Then he should explain how he intends to manage the job and offer how he might handle medical emergencies. He should find out about any medical leave that he’s entitled to as well as health insurance benefits. That will help to minimize unnecessary stress. It is illegal for an employer to fire anyone because they have cancer.

A: Every treatment plan is highly individualized, but cancer patients typically have a team of health care professionals. This could include a medical oncologist, who will coordinate treatment; a surgeon, if removal of cancerous tissue is required for diagnosis or treatment; a radiology oncologist to direct radiation therapy, if called for, and a primary care physician.

A: A healthy lifestyle is the best way to prevent cancer. Tobacco use, heavy consumption of alcohol and exposure to environmental toxins all may play a role in the cause of cancer. Obesity and a sedentary lifestyle are also linked to cancer. In fact, more than 60 percent of all cancer deaths are preventable, according to the American Cancer Society.

Genetics and age also help determine who develops cancer. People 55 and older account for more than three-quarters of all cancers in the United States.

Low-fat, high fiber diets with plenty of fruits, vegetables and grain products are believed to help reduce the incidence of cancer. 

To further reduce your risk and that of your loved one, take advantage of screenings for prostate, cervical, breast, colorectal, oral and skin cancers. These can detect precancerous lesions or early-stage malignancies that haven’t spread.

A: No. Thanks to improved detection and treatment, more people than ever survive cancer. Currently nearly 12 million Americans are cancer survivors, compared with just 3 million in 1971. 

Some people with a cancer diagnosis become cured; others are able to manage their cancer as a chronic illness. Sixty-five percent of those diagnosed with cancer are expected to live at least five years, and the odds of longevity are improving every year. The type of cancer and the stage at diagnosis affect longevity, but in general the earlier cancer is diagnosed and treated, the greater the likelihood of survival.