Needs of Rural Caregivers of Patients With Cancer: A Scoping Review of Evidence From North America, Europe, and Australia

INTRODUCTION: Informal caregivers (caregivers) in rural areas experience many stressors affecting their mental and physical health. This review will synthesize the current needs of cancer caregivers in rural areas to inform future research and interventions. METHODS: Five databases (PsycInfo, CINAHL, EMBASE, PubMed, and Family & Society Studies Worldwide) were queried to identify studies examining mental health and quality-of-life outcomes in rural caregivers of cancer patients worldwide, using the Arksey and O'Malley principled analytic framework. A priori criteria included rural caregivers of adult cancer patients in peer-reviewed studies from 2005 to 2025. RESULTS: Database searches yielded 337 records. After title and abstract screening, 134 articles were reviewed, and of these, 35 met a priori criteria. The most frequent problems identified among rural cancer caregivers were mental health issues (depression and anxiety), loneliness or isolation, fatigue and physical issues, provider issues, and financial issues, especially related to travel, balancing duties, and cultural differences between rural populations and urban providers. Most articles were from outside the U.S.; however, results from rural caregivers in the U.S. described needs reflected in literature from other countries. CONCLUSIONS: Given increased utilization of caregivers in the U.S. and the rural burden of cancer, it is crucial to identify caregivers' unmet needs. Home-based cancer care is increasing, necessitating additional studies to determine needs and develop effective interventions for rural caregivers. Rurally competent care from healthcare providers who interface with caregivers of their cancer patients is vital, as caregivers are well-positioned to partner with providers to improve the well-being of those patients.