Cancer Carers Survey
Patient surveys
Survey link click here open until 31 Oct 2026
Understanding the experiences of people who support or care for those affected by cancer
Nationally, there is a lack of information about the experiences of the unpaid people who support or care for others who are affected by cancer. Many people do not think of themselves as a ‘carer’ and do not see themselves as needing the care and support they deserve.
Understanding these experiences will help identify local plans for improvement.
What are we doing?
Together, we have developed a survey that aims to gather a wide range of carers’ views, adding to the insight from two initial focus groups:
Our aim is to provide stronger insight to inform local action and cultural change.
The survey is open until the end of October 2026. It should take no longer than 10 minutes to do. Please complete it by clicking here
What will we do with the results?
From October 2026, we will share the results with the carers we are working with and the Cancer Alliances who take part. We will work with them to write a report and recommendations that will feed into our workplans for 2027 onwards. We will publish the report and will share it with the National NHS care-givers lead.
Can I get involved? Am I a carer?
Anyone who provides unpaid care or support to a family member, friend, neighbour or other person affected by cancer, who needs help with daily life and couldn’t manage without that help, is welcome to answer this survey.
You may not see yourselves as a carer – just a good partner or spouse, parent, (adult) child, or friend. But when these responsibilities become essential to someone else’s wellbeing, even for a short time, that is caring. It doesn’t diminish your relationship; it simply acknowledges the extra emotional and practical load you are carrying.
Please complete the survey if you support someone with:
- their medication or healthcare appointments
- their shopping, cleaning, or cooking
- communication, transport, or dealing with forms and finances
- washing, dressing, or getting around the house
- their emotional and psychological needs
Complete the survey if you think the person you support couldn’t manage without your help.
Carer Support
For more information about whether you are a carer, and some of the support you can receive, please visit: Am I A Carer?
Read Stuart and Gill’s story
‘Every day as a carer brings new questions: Are they coping? Am I doing enough? How do I support my family while managing my own emotions? These are the unseen realities of caring for someone with cancer’
About the project
North Cancer Alliance are working with our partner Cancer Alliances across England to better understand the needs and experiences of carers. The Cancer Alliances who have led this work are: East of England, South East London, and Wessex, with support from Cheshire, RM Partners, and Merseyside and Greater Manchester Cancer Alliances.
For more information about this project email wessexcanceralliance@wca.uhs.nhs.uk
