World Cancer Day
World Cancer Day is on 4 February. This year, we’re highlighting how you can get the support you need and how we can work together to help everyone affected by cancer.
To improve the experience of patients with rarer cancers, Yeovil District Hospital recruited Sarah. Thanks to her work, local teams are now better equipped to support people affected by cancer.
"The key is hearing from patients what they feel the gaps are and how they feel we can deliver better care" Sarah, a Macmillan Head & Neck, Brain & Sarcoma Clinical Nurse Specialist.
How we can support you and your loved ones
If you are worried about cancer or you have questions about treatments, you are not alone.
Speak to your healthcare team
You can ask your GP or healthcare team any questions you have, or let them know if you have any concerns about a cancer diagnosis or treatments.
Read our blog for advice if you are struggling to get a GP appointment.
Call our Macmillan Support Line
You can call the Macmillan Support Line for free on 0800 808 00 00, open 7 days a week 8am to 8pm.
As well as cancer information we provide specialist services to help give you the support you need. Please note the opening times may vary by service.
- Welfare rights advice - our welfare rights advisers can tell you about benefits and other financial support.
- Work support service - our dedicated work support specialists help you to understand your rights at work.
- Macmillan Grants - we can also give you information about Macmillan Grants.
Interpreters are available if you prefer to speak to us in another language. Just state, in English, the language you want to use when you call.
Chat to others who understand
Our Online Community is a safe place to chat to others, share experiences or vent emotions with others living with cancer. Whether you are living with cancer or supporting someone who is, we are here 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Local support at the Pineapple Club
In 2022, Macmillan partnered with the Pineapple Club in South East London to host a dominoes competition for club members. Members are retired seniors from the Afro-Caribbean community.
Members had the opportunity to share their cancer stories and learn more about the help and local support available to people affected by cancer.
Watch the Pineapple club video below.
Support with everyday living: Instagram live, cancer and menopause
Take a look at @thetittygritty’s Instagram to hear campaigner, Helen share her breast cancer story with Macmillan's National Clinical Adviser, Hannah.
They talk about cancer and the menopause, including practical advice on managing menopausal symptoms caused by some cancer treatments and how to get support.
The discussion is available to watch on Helen's Instagram.
Stories of how Macmillan has helped
Read stories on how Macmillan has helped to support people affected by cancer.
Melanie
"Some really dark times went through my head and that phone call from Macmillan was like a huge, big hug down the line."
Alan
Get the information you need about cancer
We provide services for people living with cancer at every stage of their cancer diagnosis. If you or a loved one has been affected by cancer, we can help.
Cancer information in different formats
We have cancer information in different languages and formats including audio, easy read and British Sign Language.
Learn more about cancer
We have a range of information about cancer on our website to help support you and your loved ones.This includes:
- An a-z of cancer types with details about symptoms, diagnosis and treatments
- Advice and help if you are worried about cancer
- If you are LGBTQ+ and have cancer
- If you are transgender or non-binary
- Practical support if you are caring for someone with cancer
If you have been assigned a Macmillan nurse they can help you to understand your cancer diagnosis and treatment options. They can also support you though your cancer experience.
Emotional support
Talking about cancer can be hard, and cancer can affect your relationships. Find out how talking can help, and where you can get emotional support, if you need it.
Getting advice about money
Life after treatment
Some cancer treatments can have a direct effect on your sex life and ability to have children (fertility). Talk to your healthcare team if you have any concerns as there are often things that can help.
Ways to help on World Cancer Day
Macmillan is here for everybody living with cancer, with our specialist information, support and services. But we couldn't do it without our incredible supporters. Here are a few ways you can get involved.
Campaign with us
World Cancer Day is about raising awareness and uniting to do more to 'close the care gap'. Everyone should get the very best cancer care and treatment, no matter what. Get advice and tips to make sure you are treated fairly.
