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Cancer support groups

Being told you have cancer or that your cancer has returned can leave you feeling shocked, upset and very isolated. There are so many questions to be answered and so many feelings to deal with.

Cancer support groups can help. You can talk to others. We can help you find one.

two men having tea at a self help groupEven if you are lucky enough to have a wonderfully supportive family and friends, unless they have had cancer themselves, it can be difficult for them to understand exactly what you’re going through. You may want to protect them from facts and feelings that may frighten or upset them.

Macmillan supports over 800 independent cancer self help and support groups and organisations across the UK. By joining a group you can spend time with people who share and understand your experience or who have dealt with it in the past. It is an opportunity for you to talk about your deepest concerns and know they will be met with acceptance and understanding. This simple act of sharing can make an enormous difference to the way you feel.

Here find out what cancer support groups offer and how to join a group.


Directory of Cancer support groups

We publish a directory of cancer self help and support groups which you can search online below or to order a copy contact us.


Search for Cancer support groups

Enter a keyword such a cancer type eg 'breast' or 'bowel', or feature eg 'Asian' or 'complementary therapy'. Then select your county to see the groups in your area.

Search for Cancer support groups

View all groups

For more information contact Cancerline on 0808 808 2020