Cancer Carers 'Often Not Trained' To Deliver Injections, Change Dressings And Manage Infections
Should Cancer Carers Receive Proper Training?
PA/The Huffington Post UK
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Carers looking after somebody with cancer deliver injections and manage catheters often without any training, a poll has found.
More than one in five carers - around 240,000 people - do things such as change dressings and manage infections, of whom 53% say they have had little or no instructions or training from a health professional.
One in five (21%) cancer carers who have received some advice or training said it was not enough.
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The survey of more than 2,000 carers, for Macmillan Cancer Support, found 63% of those with no training or whose training was not good enough had been left feeling distressed and 50% said the situation left them feeling frightened.
One in three (34%) said they worried their loved one may need to go into hospital and one in nine said this had actually happened.
Of those who perform healthcare tasks, 36% have had to urgently call a doctor or 999 to get support or advice on how to help the person they care for.
Macmillan is now calling for changes in the care bill to ensure the NHS in England supports cancer carers.
Ciaran Devane, chief executive of the charity, said: "Not only do cancer carers give hours of emotional support and practical help, they are performing clinical duties.
"It's a huge responsibility they take on out of duty and love. Families and carers are the backbone of society and they deserve to be supported.
"Without support, cancer carers can go beyond breaking point which is bad for them and their loved one but is also costly to the NHS and ultimately to the taxpayer.
"By identifying cancer carers and explaining what information and support is available, health professionals can vastly improve their quality of life and help them to continue caring - which is what they want to do."
Mr Devane said it was "nonsensical" that the care bill as it currently stands places a legal duty solely on local authorities to identify and support cancer carers.
"It's actually the health service that has the most contact with them," he added.
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Know Your Body, Spot Cancer Symptoms
A lump or swelling anywhere on your body needs checking out(01 of10)
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AXA’s research found that 79% of people were able to correctly identify breast lumps as a potential indicator of cancer. But a lump or swelling in any part of the body, including the armpit, neck, abdomen, groin or chest area, is worth having checked by a doctor. (credit:Alamy)
Talk about your toilet habits(02 of10)
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Diarrhoea or changes in bowel habits are most likely to be caused by a stomach bug or eating something that disagrees with you. But if you’re noticing changes that have lasted more than a few days, for example if your bowel movements are looser for three weeks or more, or you notice any blood when you’ve been to the toilet, then make an appointment to get it checked out. (credit:Alamy)
Sores and ulcers should disappear quickly – investigate them if they don’t(03 of10)
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A lot of people get mouth ulcers when their immune system is low or they’re stressed. Generally they’re nothing to worry about and, as the lining of the mouth regenerates itself every couple of weeks, shouldn’t last long. But any ulcer that hasn’t healed after three weeks merits attention from your doctor or dentist. The same goes for any sore or spot that lasts for several weeks without healing – get it checked by a doctor. (credit:Alamy)
Difficult passing urine – not just an inevitable consequence of age (04 of10)
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Many men find it more difficult to pass urine as they get older, needing to go more often or urgently or being unable to go when they need to. These problems are usually caused by an enlarged prostate, which is a common condition that is not in itself cause for concern. But occasionally these symptoms can be a sign of prostate cancer – either way, men experiencing these symptoms should see their GP. Similarly, while urinary tract infections are the most likely cause of women having pain or difficulty passing urine, this should pass relatively quickly. If it doesn’t, then any sudden urges to pass urine or the need to go more often should be discussed with your doctor. (credit:Alamy)
Lost weight without dieting?(05 of10)
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It’s natural for most people’s weight to fluctuate over time. But if you haven’t instigated any changes in your diet or exercise regime and have obviously lost weight, then talk to your doctor. And if you’re experiencing heavy night sweats you should seek medical advice – these don’t always have a sinister cause, and can be brought about by certain infections or medications, but they’re worth checking. (credit:Alamy)
Coughing up blood needs to be checked out(06 of10)
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If you’ve coughed up any blood, you should see your doctor, regardless of the amount of blood or frequency. It can be a sign of lung cancer, so needs to be checked out. (credit:Alamy)
Coughs and sore throats(07 of10)
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Most of us will experience coughs or croaky voices at some point, normally when we’ve had a cold. But as with many other changes to your body, anything that hasn’t gone away after three weeks or so should be investigated. (credit:Alamy)
Educate yourself on what to look out for(08 of10)
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AXA’s research found women were more likely than men to identify key cancer warning signs, including breast lumps, changes in bowel habits and irregular moles. But for both men and women, ensuring you’re aware of symptoms to keep an eye out for is important. Knowledge is power: understanding what you’re looking for means you can any changes checked out quickly. (credit:Alamy)
Know your own body(09 of10)
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AXA’s research found only 6% of men and 3% of women check their bodies daily for anything unusual. But understanding what’s normal for your own body is essential if you’re to spot when anything has changed. If you do notice changes that are persisting for a long time, or causing you pain and discomfort, then see your GP. (credit:Alamy)
Don’t put off seeing the doctor!(10 of10)
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A sizeable 61% of people AXA spoke to admitted they’d delayed seeing their doctor when they spotted changes that could be potential flags for cancer. But early detection of any problems can make a huge difference if any treatment is then needed. Similarly, if changes are harmless your doctor will be able to reassure you. Overall, the sooner you go to see your GP, the better. (credit:Alamy)
Pamela Digney, from Lincolnshire, looks after her husband Roy, 75, who had cancer removed from his spine.
She said: "My husband is paralysed from the waist down from his operation, so I have to help him with everything.
"I have to administer morphine patches and liquid morphine for pain relief, as well as help him with his catheter. Infection control is also a constant concern.
"I haven't been given adequate training or information to help with these things, and it leaves you feeling quite vulnerable when you have to do them on your own."
Care and Support Minister Norman Lamb said: "Carers make a huge contribution to society and we want to do all we can to support them."
"We agree that there needs to be better joint working and proposals already in the Care Bill will mean that local authorities will have to co-operate and work closely with the NHS to identify and support carers.
"We have also provided £400 million to the NHS for carers breaks and given over £1.5 million of funding to help develop initiatives with GPs, nurses and carers organisations to train people to help support them in their caring roles."