Preparing for treatment

If you are having treatment you might need to organise some practical issues such as work, benefits, childcare and pet care.

Getting organised before cancer treatment
Before you start cancer treatment, there are practical things you might want to organise.
Money, finance and insurance
Financial issues can cause worry if you become ill. Find information on financial matters including pensions, mortgages, insurance and benefits.
How treatment might affect your work
Knowing how cancer treatment may affect your work can be difficult. Find out more about the decisions you may need to make in the future.
Childcare

If cancer or its treatment affects the way you look after your child or children, support may be available.
Pet care

It can be difficult to look after a pet when you have cancer. You may need to plan for their care.
Caring for others when you have cancer
If you have cancer and care for someone else, it can be difficult to think about your own needs.
Travel

Sometimes cancer or its treatment can make travelling complicated. Find out how to prepare and plan for a safe trip.
Help with transport and parking

If you have been diagnosed with cancer, you may be able to get free or discounted travel fares. You may also be able to get a Blue Badge to help with parking costs.
If you have a heart condition

If you have a heart condition this may affect the cancer treatment you have or how it is planned.
Eating well and keeping active
After a cancer diagnosis, many people find that following a healthy, balanced diet and staying active helps give them back a sense of control.

Get help with money and work

If you’re worried about how cancer might affect things like money and work, Macmillan is here to help.
Find out more

How we can help

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. 

 

Macmillan Buddies
With a weekly call or visit from one of our trained Macmillan Buddies, you don't have to face cancer alone.
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.
Help in your area
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.