Privacy policy

This policy is written in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998. We are registered under the Act as a Data Controller under number Z7100391.  If you have any questions about it please contact our Data Protection Compliance Officer at Macmillan Cancer Support, 89 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7UQ, email webmanager@macmillan.org.uk|, or telephone 0808 808 00 00.  

By continuing to use this Website you are agreeing to the terms of this privacy policy.

What information do we collect? Back to top

For non-personal information such as IP address (the location of the computer on the internet) and cookies, please see Website analysis below.

Personal information is any information that can be used to identify you. For example, it can include information such as your name, date of birth, email address, postal address, telephone number, fax number and credit/debit card details, as well as information relating to your health.

We collect personal information when you ask about our activities, register with us, (for example, registering on a discussion board), order products and services, (such as publications and email newsletters), seek assistance, (ie: by emailing a cancer support specialist), make a donation to us, or otherwise give us personal information.

How do we use your information? Back to top

We use your information in the ways set out below unless you are specifically notified otherwise.

We use your personal information to give you the information, support, services, or products you ask for. We may also use your information for administrative purposes, to let you know about changes to our services or policies, to create a profile of your interests and preferences and, if you agree, as part of our fundraising activities. We will not sell your details to any third parties but we may sometimes also share your information with our trusted service providers who are authorised to act on our behalf, our trading companies, and associated organisations (who work with us to get the information you ask for). In addition, from time to time we may exchange your personal information with other organisations for the purposes of fraud and credit risk reduction. In these circumstances we always require strict compliance with our instructions and, in the case of third party organisations, require that your personal information is not used for their own business purposes.

We will always seek your consent to the use of your personal information, either by giving you the option to say ‘no’ to its use or, in the case of sensitive personal information (for example, information relating to your health) by asking you to tick a box specifically allowing us to use it. When we seek your consent to using your personal information, we will tell you what we want to use it for and, other than as described in this policy, we won’t use it for any other purpose.

Macmillan Cancer Support is responsible for collecting your personal information. Any information we collect is stored and processed in the UK. Other than as set out in this policy or as required by law, your personal information is not shared with third parties or used in any other way uness you agree.

When we collect your personal information we use strict procedures and security features to prevent unauthorised access. However, no data transmission over the Internet is 100% secure. As a result, while we try to protect your personal information, Macmillan Cancer Support cannot guarantee the security of any information you transmit to us and you do so at your own risk.

You can read more about what information we ask for and why, plus how we store and use it, by reading How Your Information Helps Us Help You|.

How we use 'cookies' Back to top

Macmillan Cancer Support uses 'cookies' to give you a more personalised web service.

A cookie is a small text file we pass to your computer's hard disk through your web browser so the website remembers who you are when you return.

We use a type of cookie called a 'persistent' cookie. These cookies store information between visits. For example, if you tick the 'Remember me' box your email address and password is saved in a cookie on your computer. This means next time you log on to the website you will not need to re enter those details.  We suggest you do not select the 'Remember me' box if you use a shared computer (for example, if you access the Internet at an Internet café, or at a university).

If you do not wish to have cookies stored on your computer you can easily change your web browser to refuse cookies, or let you know when you get a new cookie. You need to refer to your Internet browser's instructions by clicking on the 'Help' menu. Refusing cookies, however, can restrict your use of our websites. To enjoy Macmillan's websites to the full we recommend you leave cookies switched on.

For more information about cookies, please see the Cookie Central website|.

Website analysis Back to top

Macmillan Cancer Support uses Google Analytics to track use of our website. Google Analytics uses cookies| to track visitor interactions. These cookies are used to store information, such as the time of your visit to our website, whether you have been to the website before, and where you come from before entering our website. Information collected in this way is anonymous and individuals cannot be traced. This information allows us to improve our website, for example, to assess the impact of and develop campaigns and services

Every computer and device connected to the Internet is assigned a unique number known as an Internet protocol (IP) address. Google Analytics will also collect your IP address. This information allows us to know approximately where in the World you and our other website visitors come from, but not your IP address.

For more information about Google Analytics, please see its Terms of Service| and privacy policy|.

Privacy and our online community Back to top

Our online community is moderated and we do not display the full names of individuals nor addresses. The posting of personal information on a discussion board means your information is publicly accessible. Such information can be viewed online and collected by third parties. We are not responsible for the use of information by such third parties. We strongly recommend all registered users to keep their postings anonymous. We also recommend you avoid sharing any personal information that can be used to identify you (such as your name, age, address, name of employer). We are not responsible for the privacy of any identifiable information that you post in our online community. 

Links Back to top

The Macmillan Cancer Support website may include links to other sites, not owned or managed by us. We cannot be held responsible for the privacy of information collected by websites not managed by us.

Under 16 Back to top

We have two sites that are aimed at young people, Why Bother?| and TIC|. 

TIC is aimed at young people aged 12-24.  Some personal information is collected on TIC so that users can register to be part of that community. TIC is actively moderated and is governed by its own set of Terms and Conditions|.

Why Bother? is aimed at young people in schools as a source of information about cancer. We don’t collect any information on this site; this is also governed by its own Terms and Conditions|.

If you are 16 or under, you must get your parent/guardian’s permission before you provide any personal information on the Website (including TIC). If you do not have permission you are not allowed to give us your personal information. 

Accessing and updating your personal information Back to top

You can ask us what information we hold about you by contacting us at the above address. Please keep your information up to date by letting us know of any changes at the above address.

Changes to this policy Back to top

We may change our privacy policy from time to time so please check back periodically.

This policy was last updated November 2011.