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Puma Biotechnology is a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the acquisition, development, and commercialization of novel therapeutics for the treatment of cancer.

Clinical Trials

ALISCA®: ALISertib in CAncer

Living With Cancer When You Live Alone

Living With Cancer When You Live Alone

For people diagnosed with cancer, having help may make treatment days and daily life easier. If you live alone, you might worry about where that support will come from. It’s okay to feel that way, and it’s also okay to build support in ways that work for you.

Research shows when people with cancer are socially isolated, meaning they have limited contact with others, they may experience more distress and poorer health outcomes1. At the same time, having social support is linked with better emotional wellbeing and quality of life during and after treatment.2 Support does not have to come only from family; it can come from neighbors, community programs, online groups, and others who care.

Here are some practical ways to get support while living on your own.

Ask for the Help You Need

People often want to help but don’t know what to do. Saying exactly what you need, even if it’s small, makes it easier for others to step in. Consider asking someone to:

  • Drive you to a medical appointment
  • Pick up prescriptions or groceries
  • Sit with you during treatment
  • Bring meals or check in with a text
Small acts can make a difference.

Look Beyond Family

Support doesn’t have to come from family. Think about:

  • A neighbor who checks in
  • Friends from work or hobbies
  • Members of your faith or community group

Some people find that having a dependable person in their life can help.

Use Community and Practical Services

Many cancer centers and community organizations offer services that help people live well during treatment. Examples include:

  • Transportation programs
  • Meal services
  • Home health visits
  • Patient navigators who help you plan care

Find Connection Online

Online groups and forums can help you talk with others who are going through similar experiences. Studies show that emotional support, even virtually, can help reduce feelings of loneliness.3,4 Look for groups from trusted organizations or ones moderated by professionals.

Plan for Treatment Days

Treatments may leave you tired or needing a ride home. Planning ahead can ease stress and help you feel more prepared. Before your first appointment, try to:

  • Identify at least one contact who can help with rides
  • Prepare easy meals ahead of time
  • Keep emergency contacts within easy reach

If you’re taking part in a clinical trial, ask the clinical trial coordinator if they provide reimbursement for costs related to your trial visits, such as meals, parking, or transportation.

Check in With Your Emotions

Living alone with cancer can bring a range of feelings. If you notice that worry, sadness, or fatigue is interfering with daily life, let your care team know. Counseling, peer support, and social services are part of the care services offered for many people living with cancer.

Final Thoughts

Independence is often seen as a strength, but needing help doesn’t make you weak. Support, whether from people nearby, community programs, or virtual groups, may help you feel less alone and more able to focus on healing.

  • 1

    Liang Y, Hao G, Wu M and Hou L. Social isolation in adults with cancer: An evolutionary concept analysis. Front Psychol. 2022;13:973640. Published 2022 Oct 3. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.973640

  • 2

    Alfonsdóttir SÁ, Hjördísar Jónsdóttir HL, Þorvaldsdóttir GH, Einarsdóttir SE, Torfadóttir JE, Gunnarsdóttir S. The Quality of Life of Cancer Survivors: The Role of Social Factors. Cancers (Basel). 2025; 17(19):3145. Published 2025 Sep 27. doi.org/10.3390/cancers17193145

  • 3

    Magid K, Sagui-Henson SJ, Sweet CC, Smith BJ, Chamberlain CEW, Levens SM. The Impact of Digital Mental Health Services on Loneliness and Mental Health: Results from a Prospective, Observational Study. Int J Behav Med. 2024;31(3):468-478. doi:10.1007/s12529-023-10204-y

  • 4

    Zhang X, Dong S. The relationships between social support and loneliness: A meta-analysis and review. Acta Psychol (Amst.). 2022;227: 103616. doi.org/10.1016/j.actpsy.2022.103616

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