Browser does not support script.
Skip to main content
search here
Receiving a cancer diagnosis is hard. Talking about it can be even harder. Star of 50/50 Seth Rogen and writer Will Reisner talk to us about how cancer affected their relationship.
Just hearing the ‘C word’ can be frightening. When you’re first diagnosed with cancer, it can be overwhelming – and one of the hardest things can be telling other people and sharing your fears.
Many people find it hard to talk to their loved-ones about how cancer makes them feel, or to talk about it at all. But getting the right support from family and friends can really help - especially when you’re facing the toughest fight of your life.
And it’s not just patients who need support; partners, children, colleagues and carers may also find it hard to talk about the impact cancer is having on their lives.
That’s why this year Cancer Talk Week is encouraging people affected by cancer to get talking about it - and all of the associated worries - with partners, family, friends and professionals. As they say, a problem shared is a problem halved.
Macmillan Cancer Support can help you find the words you need. Call our helpline| for a chat with one of our experts, talk to others going through the same in our online community|, or access information on talking about cancer|.
Live web chat
Macmillan funded Relate counsellor Sue Parks will be live in our chat room| on Thursday 26 January 12-1pm advising you about relationships and communication. You'll need to be a community member to take part and it only takes a minute to join up|.
Follow us on Twitter| for updates and news using the hashtag #cancertalk| to keep up to date with the conversation.
We also want you to help raise awareness about the right ways to talk about cancer by telling us (and your friends!) what phrases are definitely wrong.
Does ‘you look really well’ drive you to distraction? Or is it ‘I’ve just read all about a cure for cancer in this magazine…’ the one that really gets your goat?
Use the hashtag #phrasesIhate| to tell us your favourites and we’ll be retweeting the best ones throughout the week and publishing them here.
We'll also be talking about ways that you can get support and information all week on our Facebook page|.
Discover all the ways Macmillan can help, from offering financial and emotional support to finding local information centres and support groups.
Talk to other people affected by cancer in our forums and chat room.
From volunteering and e-campaigning to becoming a Cancer Voice, there are lots of ways you can help us help others.
Find information on your cancer type, different treatments and living with cancer.
Looking for advice on how to talk about cancer in schools? See our Cancertalk website|, Macmillan’s resource guide for teachers and youth group leaders.
Online survey of 1,000 people aged 18-35 from across the UK during November 2011. Read our press release. |
It is important that, when going through something tough, like a cancer diagnosis and treatment, you can speak openly about what you’re going through to ensure you get the right support you need. Jeannie, Macmillan Relate counsellor.
It is important that, when going through something tough, like a cancer diagnosis and treatment, you can speak openly about what you’re going through to ensure you get the right support you need.
Jeannie, Macmillan Relate counsellor.
Cancer Talk Week is supported by the following companies who are helping us to spread our message even further.