When a loved one is diagnosed with lymphoma, the individuals who support them play a crucial role in their journey. Historically, these individuals have been referred to as “caregivers,” but in recent years, the term “care partner” has emerged as a more empowering and inclusive alternative.
In the United States, about 53 million people provide unpaid care to a loved one, and more than 2.8 million are caring for someone with cancer. With this many care partners in the cancer community working tirelessly to support their loved ones, the words we use to describe roles in the cancer community matter. That is why the Lymphoma Research Foundation supports the use of a term for them that is as meaningful and reflective of their experience as possible. Here is why we believe “care partner” fits the bill.
The power of partnership
The term “caregiver” suggests a one-way relationship — someone giving care to another who passively receives it. While lymphoma can be physically and emotionally demanding, patients remain active participants in their own care, and care partners often carry more responsibility. The responsibilities of care partners may vary but can include attending doctor visits, keeping track of medication, providing transportation to treatments, assisting with childcare responsibilities, and providing emotional support. The term “care partner” acknowledges the mutual exchange of support, respect, and decision-making between the patient and their loved one.
Building a supportive mindset
Just as much as patients need a support system, so do care partners. Care partners often experience stress, anxiety, and emotional fatigue. While it seems counterintuitive, a diagnosis of cancer can be harder on the care partner than it is on the patient. According to one study, cancer caregivers spend an average of 32.9 hours a week providing care to their loved one. As a result, caregivers reported experiencing increased anxiety, depression, fatigue, and other emotional stress — with more than 50% of caregivers rating their stress level as “highly stressed.”
Recognizing them as partners rather than sole providers of care reinforces that they, too, deserve support, resources, and self-care. It is also one of the many reasons why the Lymphoma Research Foundation offers specialized tools and education programs just for care partners.
Empowering patients
Receiving a lymphoma diagnosis can be overwhelming, and the ability to maintain autonomy is often critical to a patient’s well-being. The term “care partner” reinforces the idea that individuals with lymphoma are not passive recipients of care but active participants in their treatment and overall care. Being labeled as solely a “receiver” of care can feel disempowering and can be especially important for people who struggle with the feeling of being a “burden.” Recognizing the care relationship as a partnership highlights that both individuals contribute to each other’s well-being in different ways.
While we understand that “caregiver” is still a widely used term that is recognized by many as standard terminology, the Lymphoma Research Foundation will begin to make the shift from “caregiver” to “care partner” in the hope of creating a more compassionate and inclusive environment for both patients and those who care for them. We believe it reflects a more accurate and compassionate understanding of the relationship between people living with lymphoma and those supporting them. When navigating lymphoma, no one should walk alone, and all those impacted by a diagnosis should know that resources exist to support them on their journey. That is exactly what being a care partner is all about.
