Caring for a Loved One with Cancer: It Is My Job

Abstract

This study investigated the experiences of caregivers of loved ones with cancer in Lomé, Togo. The authors developed a framework that captures the experiences of 17 caregivers. The framework explains the exploratory factors that influenced the lives of caregivers from the caregivers’ own perspectives. Findings showed that even though the caregivers experienced significant challenges that affected their lives and the lives of their families, because of cultural norms and expectations, they tried their best to overcome the challenges. Although some reported positive impacts on their family functioning, others reported negative impacts such as fragmentation of the family unit. Implications for practice and policy are discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• cancer
• caregivers
• experiences
• Togo
• Africa

Acknowledgments

The authors received no financial support for the research and/or authorship of this article. This article was presented at the 90th Annual Meeting of the Southwestern Social Science Association, March 2009, in Houston, Texas.