The Unique Experience of Caregivers Based on Their Life Stage and Relationship to the Patient
Although caregivers are often thought of as middle-aged or older adults, cancer caregiving spans the life course. This chapter discusses the unique challenges of cancer caregiving across the life course—early adulthood (18–44 years of age); middle age (45–64 years); and older age (adults 65 years and older)—using data from the 2015 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System and evidence from the extant literature. More than 4 in 10 cancer caregivers were in early adulthood. Another 4 in 10 were in middle age, and nearly 2 in 10 were in older adulthood. Normative developmental patterns differ at each life stage, with implications for supporting cancer caregivers in clinical and policy settings. Future research embracing a nuanced view of caregiving across the life course and across relationship type will enhance the ability to care for caregivers and improve cancer survivor and caregiver well-being.