There are more than 360,000 new cancer cases each year in the UK, with breast, prostrate, lung and bowel cancers together accounting for over half (53%) of all new cancer cases in 2016.1
If you, or someone close to you has been diagnosed with cancer, please don’t feel alone, help and support is out there:
Cancer Support UK
Cancer Support UK provide practical and emotional support to people living with cancer both during and after treatment. They offer a unique telephone based support group, facilitated by people who have experienced cancer themselves and can understand what you’re going through. You can find more information about the Cancer Coach Phone Group here.
Counselling services
There are various types of counselling available to help you or a loved one come to terms with cancer. Cancer Research UK suggests counselling can help with:
- Coping with your reactions to cancer
- Family and relationship issues
- Exploring personal issues
- Dealing with practical issues
You might want to talk openly and honestly to someone in confidence, who isn’t a friend or family member. You can find an experienced counsellor through your GP Practice or your cancer treatment centre.
Financial support
Cancer can be tough on your finances. You may qualify for government benefits if you have cancer or care for someone with cancer, including universal credit, disability living allowance and income support. You can find out who to contact for advice and support here.
Macmillan Cancer Support offer small one-off grants to help people with cancer manage a wide range of costs, such as heating bills, the cost of travel to and from hospital or even a much-needed break. Grants range from £85 for a child, to £289 for two people living together (including a single parent and a child).
You should also check with your insurance companies, as some critical illness policies cover a cancer diagnosis. Income protection and accident and sickness protection policies may also cover loss of earnings if you’re unable to work.2
Macmillan Cancer Support
This organisation aims to support those affected by cancer at every step of their journey, from the earliest stage of diagnosis, right through treatment and beyond. They provide physical, financial and emotional support to help you live life as fully as you can, and provide information on what to expect, practical advice and support, information from experts and stories of other people’s experiences.3
Support for carers
Marie Curie have a host of information if you’re supporting/caring for a partner, family member or friend. Their website details how to take care of your own needs as a carer, financial and medical support available and links to meeting and talking to others who are in a similar situation to yourself.
1. Cancer Research UK
2. Moneywise
3. Macmillan