World Cancer Day

World Cancer Day is on 4 February 2025. This year, we're highlighting how you can get support you need, and how together we can help everyone affected by cancer.

Shaping the future of Macmillan Cancer Support

Our Chief Medical Officer Professor Richard Simcock and Executive Director of Fundraising, Marketing and Innovation Claire Rowney spoke on the ITN Business ‘Shaping The Future of Cancer Care’ programme to talk about how we’re shaping the future of Macmillan Cancer Support.

How we can support you and your loved ones

A dark green rotary phone on a light green background.A dark green rotary phone on a light green background.
Macmillan Support Line
The Macmillan Support Line offers confidential support to people living with cancer and their loved ones. It is free to call on 0808 808 00 00, 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week.
A dark green clipboard and pen with white lined paper on a light green background.A dark green clipboard and pen with white lined paper on a light green background.
Information about cancer
We have information about all cancer types, diagnostic tests, and cancer treatments and drugs. You can also get information in easy read, British Sign Language, and in your own language.
Online Community
Our Online Community is a free online place for people living with or who are affected by cancer to chat about the issues affecting them. You can join a forum, explore or write a blog, and ask an expert any questions you have. 
Discover all the ways we can help

Help with the impacts of cancer

We know that cancer can affect you in different ways financially and emotionally. We are here to help.
A hand receiving money from a cash machine.

Money and work

The rising cost of living means that many people affected by cancer have tough choices to make. Some even have to choose between heating their home or putting food on the table.

Financial information can be complicated to navigate and it can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re juggling all the extra emotional stress and concerns that cancer brings.

If you need help managing bills, advice on what benefits you might be entitled to, or you just want to chat about how you are feeling, we’re here to help no matter what your situation.

Call the Macmillan Support Line for free on 0808 808 00 00, 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week.

More help with money and work

Two women sitting on a bench talking. One is wearing brown boots and a floral scarf the other is wearing a black cardigan, jeans and trainers.

Emotional support

Cancer can be tough emotionally for you and those that care for you. We're there to help with how you're feeling.

Ways we can help:

  • Macmillan Buddies: Our free Macmillan Buddy service matches you with someone who understands what you're going through and is there to listen.
  • Specialist Counselling: Through Bupa, Macmillan can offer free counselling sessions for people living with cancer.
  • Online HOPE programme: The programme is designed to support people in developing techniques and strategies to manage aspects of living with cancer.

Stories from people living with cancer

Read stories from people who used their experience of cancer to raise awareness of cancer and to help others.
Naomi, a Chinese lady is sharing information about cancer.
Naomi's story

After she was diagnosed with breast cancer, Naomi set up the Chinese Association for Cancer Care charity to help Chinese cancer patients.

Alan holding a World Cancer Day sign
Alan's story

Alan launched Cancer is a Drag, a fundraising group supported by Macmillan, which aims to support people living with cancer from the LGBTQ+ community.

Christen is a lady with long curly blond hair and red lipstick.
Christen's story

Christen shared her experience of having the BRCA mutation and a mastectomy on social media. Then started the BRCAchat charity to help others.

Jyoti Shah is a Macmillan Consultant Urological Surgeon. She is standing outside in a garden. She has short dark hair and is wearing a colourful patterned dress.

The impact of Macmillan professionals

Jyoti Shah, Macmillan Consultant Urological Surgeon, created an easy-to-read book to support people diagnosed with prostate cancer. The guide covers topics from diagnosis to terminal care.

Jyoti said: “When you tell someone that they have cancer, a word bomb explodes in their head and they can’t take in any more information. Our patients were lost in the jungle. They didn’t need piecemeal leaflets, they needed a comprehensive book.”

Discover support for professionals

Ways to get involved on World Cancer Day

We are 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.

People running next to a horse racing track

Macmillan parkrun takeover for World Cancer Day

Support Macmillan and parkrun's partnership by joining your local parkrun wearing green on World Cancer Day.

Find out more
Campaign with us
Be part of a movement of tens of thousands of people across the UK who are campaigning for better support for people living with cancer.
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Become a volunteer
The support provided by Macmillan volunteers is integral to helping us be there for people with cancer.
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Share your story
Sharing your experience of living with or caring for someone with cancer is a powerful way to help make the future better for people living with cancer.