Supporting someone with breast cancer

The short version

Supporting someone with breast cancer can be rewarding and hard. Looking after yourself matters too.
Practical help, such as lifts, meals and childcare, often makes the biggest difference. Ask what they’d like, rather than guessing.
If you care for someone for 35 hours a week or more, you may be able to claim Carer’s Allowance, which is £86.45 a week in 2026/27.¹

How you can help

Listen without trying to fix everything. Let them talk about their worries, or not, when they want.
Offer specific help, such as “Can I cook on Tuesday?” rather than “Let me know if you need anything”.
Go to appointments, take notes and help remember questions. See questions to ask after a diagnosis.
Help keep life normal: carry on doing things you both enjoy.
Be active together: a daily walk is good for both of you, and helps them stay fit for treatment. See a walking plan.
Learn the warning signs during chemotherapy, and where the 24-hour helpline number is. See helplines and who to call.

Take breaks and keep some time for yourself.
Accept help from friends and family.
Talk to someone: partners and carers often find fear of recurrence even harder than the person with cancer.²
See your GP if you’re struggling with sleep, mood or stress, and tell them you’re a carer.

Carer’s Allowance: £86.45 a week in 2026/27, if you care for someone for 35 hours a week or more and they get certain disability benefits. You can’t earn more than £204 a week after deductions.¹
A carer’s assessment from your local council can look at what support you need.
Time off work: talk to your employer about flexible working or carer’s leave.
Macmillan’s money advisers can check what you and the person you care for can get: 0808 808 00 00.³

Everyone’s treatment is different, so talk to your cancer team about what is right for you.