King Charles III and Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales, both announced they had cancer this year.
Prince William likely took on a caregiver role for his family members.

Monica Cwynar, a social worker, told BI that caregivers should prioritize self-care.
Prince William’s wife and father both announced separate cancer diagnoses within a month of each other.

Buckingham Palace announced King Charles III’s diagnosis in a statement shared in February, just weeks after the 75-year-old underwent treatment for an enlarged prostate.

Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales, later announced her cancer diagnosis in a video statement in March. Her diagnosis came after undergoing abdominal surgery in January.

Monica Cwynar, a licensed clinical social worker, told Business Insider that learning to cope with one or more relatives’ cancer diagnoses is often overwhelming, especially when coupled with taking on a caregiver role.
“It’s an emotionally and physically challenging role,” Cwynar said.

Cwynar is a full-time therapist but previously served as a hospice social worker, so she’s familiar with the burnout caregivers can face. Cwynar, who works with the Cultural Humility and Equity Collaborative, offered advice to caregivers on navigating the role and addressing burnout.

Cwynar said stress is an unavoidable part of becoming a caregiver, but it’s important for caregivers to acknowledge their emotions
Cwynar, also an adjunct professor at Pennsylvania Western University, said stress can manifest for caregivers in various ways, including “physical exhaustion, emotional strain, social isolation, and mental health challenges like anxiety, depression, and frustration.”

She emphasized that these feelings are normal and caregivers should give themselves room during this time.

“Allow yourself to feel a range of emotions in response to the diagnosis, such as shock, sadness, anger, and fear,” Cwynar said. It’s important to acknowledge and process these feelings in a healthy way.”