Cancer in later life

Cancer can develop at any age. But if you are older, you may have questions about how this might affect your cancer treatment or experience. Discover what support and information is available from Macmillan.

Treatment decisions and side effects

Jane Boulton (pictured right) is a Macmillan Social Care Coordinator. She is sat on a sofa listening to a person in a wheelchair (pictured left) speak. Jane is wearing a bright green patterned dress. The person on the left is wearing a blue and pink patterned shirt and tan trousers. Jane Boulton (pictured right) is a Macmillan Social Care Coordinator. She is sat on a sofa listening to a person in a wheelchair (pictured left) speak. Jane is wearing a bright green patterned dress. The person on the left is wearing a blue and pink patterned shirt and tan trousers.
Making treatment decisions
It can be difficult making treatment decisions. You may be worried about your age or other health conditions. Learn about what support is available. 
A view from above of two people talking. You can only see their hands in the photo, they appear to be sitting down and one person has a mug with tea in their hands.A view from above of two people talking. You can only see their hands in the photo, they appear to be sitting down and one person has a mug with tea in their hands.
Questions to ask your healthcare team
Asking questions can help you get the information you need to make treatment decisions.
Elly, a nurse at the Macmillan Horizon Centre in Brighton, is speaking to a patient. She is standing on the right and wearing a dark blue nurses uniform. The patient is on the left and is wearing a blue shirt. Elly, a nurse at the Macmillan Horizon Centre in Brighton, is speaking to a patient. She is standing on the right and wearing a dark blue nurses uniform. The patient is on the left and is wearing a blue shirt.
Impacts of cancer A to Z
Cancer may impact you in different ways. Use our A-Z to find the information that is right for you.
A close up of two women browsing the shelves at a pharmacy. The person on the left is wearing a white blouse and the person on the right is wearing a blue blazer. A close up of two women browsing the shelves at a pharmacy. The person on the left is wearing a white blouse and the person on the right is wearing a blue blazer.
Physical impacts of cancer and treatment
Discover our helpful information if you have symptoms or side effects from cancer or its treatments. 
Emily (pictured right) is a Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Assistant. She is wearing a yellow patterned dress. Emily is speaking to a patient who is on her right. They are wearing a long sleeved blue t-shirt. Emily (pictured right) is a Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Assistant. She is wearing a yellow patterned dress. Emily is speaking to a patient who is on her right. They are wearing a long sleeved blue t-shirt.
Late effects of treatment
Some people have side effects after treatment has finished. We have information on what support is available if this has happened to you. 
A woman is sat down. She is holding up a tablet. She is wearing a white top and has her other hand near her throat.A woman is sat down. She is holding up a tablet. She is wearing a white top and has her other hand near her throat.
Taking part in a clinical trial
If you are thinking about taking part in a clinical trial it is important to understand what is involved and what it might mean for you. 

Advanced cancer

Cancer that has spread or come back is usually called advanced cancer. Learn about advanced cancer, what support is available, and other things you may want to consider.
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If you or someone you know has advanced cancer

Read our information on advanced cancer. This includes signs and symptoms, treatment options, and coping with advanced cancer.

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Advance care planning

It can be difficult to plan for the future. Learn about ways you can let people know your what your wishes are when it comes to future treatment and care.

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End of life

There are many things to consider when you are at end of life. Discover what support is available to you and your loved ones.

Support for patients and carers

Discover what support is available from Macmillan for people living with cancer and those that care for them.
A patient reads a booklet produced by Macmillan in a Macmillan Support Centre. In the background you can see a shelf of other booklets. A patient reads a booklet produced by Macmillan in a Macmillan Support Centre. In the background you can see a shelf of other booklets.
Understanding patient rights
Read about what rights you have as an NHS patient receiving cancer care.
Woman talks on mobile phoneWoman talks on mobile phone
Cancer and your emotions
If you or someone you care for has cancer, we offer a range of different support to help with your emotions. 
A lady puts money in her purse.A lady puts money in her purse.
Help with the cost of living
The rising cost of living and cancer can be tough on your finances. Discover what support is available including what benefits you may be entitled to. 
A pair appear outside and walking up a flight of stairs. The older person on the left is wearing a blue jumper and a blue jacket. The person on the right is wearing a white top and white jacket. They are also carrying a white shopping bag. A pair appear outside and walking up a flight of stairs. The older person on the left is wearing a blue jumper and a blue jacket. The person on the right is wearing a white top and white jacket. They are also carrying a white shopping bag.
Looking after someone with cancer
Learn about what support practical and emotional support is available if you are looking after an older person with cancer. 

More information and support

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Resources and further support

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Easy read

Easy read booklets use simple language and pictures to tell you about cancer. They can be useful if you want information that is easier to understand.

View our easy reads

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Braille and large print

We produce braille and large print formats of our cancer information for people who have low vision. Email us at cancerinformationteam@macmillan.org.uk or call us on 0808 808 00 00.
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Cancer information in different languages

We offer a range of information in languages other than English. This includes information about different cancer types, being diagnosed, cancer treatment, and side effects.

Discover information in your own language

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Audiobooks

We have a range of audiobooks for people with cancer. Listen to audiobooks about cancer online or download them to listen wherever you are. 
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British Sign Language

We have a range of videos about cancer using British Sign Language (BSL). If you are hard of hearing or D/deaf, you can ask for a BSL interpreter call to be set up with the Macmillan Support Line. 
Macmillan Support Line
The Macmillan Support Line is a free and confidential phone service for people living and affected by cancer. If you need to talk, we'll listen. 

 

Call us on 0808 808 00 00
8am to 8pm. It's free to call from landlines and mobiles within the UK.
Email us
Get in touch via this form
Chat online
Every day 8am - 8pm.
Online Community

Chat online anonymously to others who understand what you are going through. Our community is available 24/7 and has dedicated forums where you can get advice and ask our experts.
Find local cancer support services
What's going on near you? Find out about support groups, where to get information and how to get involved with Macmillan where you live.