When we think of cancer, we picture brave patients and resilient families. But we often overlook the person who stands quietly beside them through every scan, chemotherapy session, and sleepless nights. These are the caregivers sometimes relatives, sometimes medical staff, who rarely make headlines yet shoulder half the weight of a diagnosis. They are the ones who keep a steady smile despite the exhaustion, the fear, and the endless rounds of treatment. And all too often, they carry this burden alone.
As an oncologist, I’ve learned that cancer never affects just one person. Every diagnosis pulls an entire family into its orbit, reshaping routines, emotions, and finances. While patients receive guidance, counselling, and medical support, caregivers are expected to simply “cope.” They manage appointments, medicines, emergencies and emotional breakdowns — all while hiding their own.
The truth is, caregivers face a heavy, often invisible burden. Many feel guilty for being exhausted or overwhelmed. Some leave jobs to provide full-time care. Others balance treatment schedules with parenting and ageing parents. Their stress levels match and sometimes exceed those of the patients they support. Yet very few reach out for help, believing it makes them look weak or selfish.
This is why building communities for these caregivers are essential as when they will connect with others walking the same path, something powerful happens: the loneliness lifts. They share stories, frustrations and small victories. They learn practical tips from people who truly understand. Most importantly, they hear the words they rarely tell themselves: “You’re doing enough.” Because even if they are the ‘caregivers’ they certainly need to be taken ‘care off’ as well.
Across India, support groups, online forums and hospital-run programmes are slowly growing, but they deserve far more attention. These communities don’t just offer emotional comfort. They improve cancer outcomes. When caregivers are supported, they communicate better with doctors, make clearer decisions, and provide steadier care at home. Their own mental health improves, which directly helps the patient’s recovery.
Workplaces also need to recognise that caregiving is real labour. Facilities like flexible hours, compassionate leaves, and manager awareness can prevent burnout and financial strain. It can be as simple as neighbours offering to run errands or friends giving caregivers a few hours of rest can lighten the load enormously.
Even tough medical science has advanced over the years, healing extends beyond scans and medicines. It also lies in the circle of care that surrounds each patient and that circle must include the caregivers who pour their hearts into the fight. If we strengthen them, we strengthen the entire journey.
Caregivers may not wear hospital gowns, but they fight cancer too. It’s time we built the communities that help them feel seen, supported and never alone.