How To Care For Someone With Cancer

By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Cancer can attack anyone at any time and sometimes the diesease is worse on those who love the person who has the cancer.

If you have a loved one with cancer understand that it is normal to feel somewhat helpless and frustrated. You may not know what to expect or how to help but there are many things you can do.

To better understand what your loved one is going through, learn all you can about the cancer and treatment. For example, find out the most common side effects of treatment and what you can do to help. Learn which symptoms require a call to the doctor and which you can treat at home.

If this is a significant other or a person who will feel comfortable with it, offer to go to doctors visits and tests. It is a very personal time but there are steps that can help - and no one does it perfectly.