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 ready for treatment
Here is advice to help you organise things like work, benefits, childcare and pet care before starting treatment.
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

Cancer and its treatment often disrupt family life and normal routines. As a result, your childcare needs may change and you may need more support to look after your children.
Pet care

It can be difficult to look after a pet when you have cancer and you may need to plan for their care. Find out who can help with your pet care.
If you have cancer and you look after someone
If you have cancer and also look after someone, you may have many different feelings that may come and go.
Managing practical tasks
Cancer can make managing practical tasks such as housework, shopping, washing and dressing more difficult. We have tips to help.
Travelling abroad
Cancer or cancer treatment may make travelling more difficult. There are some things you will need to think about before you travel.
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.
Talking to your healthcare team about treatment
Talking to healthcare staff can help you get the information and support you need.
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.

How we can help

Macmillan Cancer Support Line
The Macmillan Support Line offers confidential support to people living with cancer and their loved ones. If you need to talk, we'll listen.
Macmillan Telephone Buddies
With a weekly call from one of our trained Telephone Buddies, you don't have to face cancer alone.
0808 808 00 00
7 days a week, 8am - 8pm
Email us
Get in touch via this form
Chat online
7 days a week, 8am - 8pm
Online Community
An anonymous network of people affected by cancer which is free to join. Share experiences, ask questions and talk to people who understand.
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.