How we write our content

Cancer information publications

We can now offer all our cancer information publications free of charge, not just to patients and their families, but to health and social care professionals too. Orders for free resources can be placed on be.Macmillan|.

All our cancer information is written by experienced health care professionals. The information development nurses are experienced cancer nurses who revise and update the booklets and factsheets.

Our information follows the guidelines of the Plain English Campaign|. This means that it is easy to understand and avoids the use of jargon wherever possible.

Our editorial policy

Macmillan's policy is to provide up-to-date and accurate information on cancer, cancer treatments, and all aspects of living with cancer. Our information is in line with accepted national and international guidelines and the results of systematic reviews. Where no such guidelines exist, our information is based on scientific evidence such as data from published clinical trials, or combined analyses of trials. Where such evidence is not available, our information is based on a consensus view of experts.

Each cancer information publication is regularly reviewed and updated by cancer doctors, specialist nurses, allied health professionals and patients. All information is approved by a member of our Clinical Advisory Board and the Medical Editor.

All of our cancer information booklets that describe treatments are produced to meet the criteria of the Discern Index|, a nationally recognised measure of health information quality. Where trusts have used our booklets in evidence to support their good practice, it has helped them to achieve compliance with the standards of the Clinical Negligence Scheme for Trusts.

We havepublished over 70 booklets and 300+ factsheets on cancer information. Specific questions and answers published on the website as 'Cancer Q&As' are also available. The Information Development Team works with the Clinical Advisory Board and Specialist Advisory Panel to ensure that the information is accurate and up to date. Final responsibility for clinical content is with the Medical Editor. The booklets are also sent out for review by patients to ensure that the language and tone is appropriate.  

All existing information is reviewed regularly to ensure it is still current and accurate. We aim to review information on cancer types and treatments every year with a view to revising it at least every two years. It may be revised sooner if there is an evidence change or developent in treatment or national guidelines. We aim to review information covering living with and beyond cancer topics every 18 months and to revise it at least every three years. The factfile is revised every year.

We often receive unsolicited feedback on our information, which we greatly value. Any comments we receive are kept on file for consideration when the text is revised. All comments/feedback are responded to by a member of the Information Development Team.

We are grateful to the many cancer specialists, cancer nurses, health professionals and patients who give their time and expertise to help create our cancer information publications.