Insight

Recognising the unique knowledge and experience that carers have

Cancer Institute NSW/LinkedIn

Oct 21, 2024, 19:01

Recognising the unique knowledge and experience that carers have

Cancer Institute NSW shared a post on LinkedIn:

“The voices of carers are an invaluable contribution to our Community and Consumer Advisory Panel, helping shape the future of cancer care through their lived experiences and insights.

Liz Crick, from Sydney, is one of 20 advisors on our panel and brings a unique perspective having been the carer of three family members with cancer.

She is passionate about improving the carer experience, cancer information, and support for young people with cancer.

On National Carers Week, Liz shares her experiences in caring for loved ones with cancer.

What was your role in caring for family members affected by cancer?

‘My daughter-in-law was diagnosed with thyroid cancer at 29 years old. This was a very emotional time, we supported her with visits, staying by her bedside, and caring for their son. Months later, my husband was diagnosed with bowel cancer at age 60.

I accompanied him to appointments and treatments. I had to be careful to not overstep the line between support and being overbearing, but I know he appreciated my being there. I took leave for a month before his death.

My son was ill in last year of my husband’s life and was soon diagnosed with germ-cell cancer at age 31. I supported them by taking leave from work to be there while his wife was their main source of income, helped with driving, babysitting and in any other way I could. As a loving mother and grandmother, I could not do enough for this young family.”

What does being a carer mean to you?

‘Being a carer is all about supporting the patient the best way I can, and that support stretches to all members of the family. It means respecting the patient’s wishes and their independence while letting them know you are there, no matter what. It also means researching about the cancer, making and attending appointments and facilitating requests of the patient. While it is selfless, it is important that carers also take care of themselves.”

Why is it important to recognise carers in the community?

‘Carers do not ask for reconigition but are a vital part of the patient’s diagnosis, treatment and hopefully, recovery.

We need to thanks and celebrate carers in the community for their selfless care of their loved ones. More awareness of the role of carer may help family members, friends and colleagues better understand and communicate with them and the patient.”

This National Carers Week, we recognise the invaluable role of the more than 2.65 million carers across Australia and say thank you to all supporting someone impacted by cancer.

Learn more about our Community and Consumer Advisory Panel.”

experience