Abstract

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.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.