Caring for a family member with cancer can be incredibly meaningful, but it can also bring significant emotional, physical and psychological stress.

A 2024 randomised controlled trial by Türkoğlu and Kavuran, published in Mindfulness, examined whether mindfulness could help family caregivers of people with cancer.

The researchers studied 104 family caregivers, comparing caregivers who participated in an 8-week online Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program with those who did not.

5 KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THE RESEARCH

1. Caregiver stress deserves attention
Supporting someone through cancer can place considerable demands on family caregivers. Looking after the psychological wellbeing of the carer is an important part of supporting the whole family.

2. Mindfulness reduced caregiver stress
Caregivers who completed the 8-week mindfulness program experienced a significant reduction in stress compared with the control group.

3. Quality of life improved
The mindfulness group also experienced a significant improvement in caregiver quality of life following the program.

4. The benefits continued after the program
Improvements in stress and quality of life were still evident at the study’s four-week follow-up, although further research is needed to understand the longer-term benefits.

5. Support can be accessible
Importantly, the mindfulness program was delivered online. This is particularly relevant for carers, who may find it difficult to make time for their own appointments while managing the demands of caring for someone else.

HOW CAN A PSYCHOLOGIST AT CHANGE FOR LIFE HELP? 🌿

When much of your time and energy is focused on caring for someone you love, it can be easy for your own wellbeing to become secondary.

A psychologist at Change for Life can provide a confidential and supportive space that focuses on you. Psychological support may help you:

• Manage stress, worry and feelings of overwhelm
• Develop practical coping and relaxation strategies
• Learn mindfulness and emotional regulation strategies
• Manage difficult thoughts and emotions associated with a loved one’s illness
• Navigate changes in family roles and relationships
• Establish healthy boundaries and make space for self-care
• Recognise signs of caregiver burnout
• Build resilience while continuing to support the person you care for

You don’t have to wait until you are overwhelmed to seek support.

Looking after your own psychological wellbeing can help you cope with the demands of caregiving while continuing to be there for someone who matters to you.

📞 Change for Life Psychology
Psychological support for carers and families, with Telehealth appointments available across Australia.

Reference:
Türkoğlu, N., & Kavuran, E. (2024). The effect of mindfulness-based stress reduction program on stress and quality of life in family caregivers of patients with cancer: Randomized controlled trial. Mindfulness, 15, 1070–1079.