Lots of us deal with loved ones who are afflicted with cancer. We are going to give some hints and advice for care-givers, to make your job a bit easier.

The big idea: The National Cancer Institute estimates 14 million people in the U.S. have had a cancer diagnosis, and the number is rapidly rising. More and more people must struggle with how to face a life-threatening disease, while loved ones try to give support.



Why this matters: Today, cancer treatment is mostly given in outpatient treatment centers, not in hospitals. This means a family member or friend needs to be part of the day-to-day care of the person with cancer, but they're uncertain how to provide emotional support.



The so-what: The presence alone of caregivers is just part of the support cancer patients need -- the attitudes of the caregivers may be the most important variable in helping someone with cancer transition comfortably from independence to dependence.