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.
Prehabilitation and cancer treatment

Prehabilitation aims to get you as fit and healthy as possible before, during and after cancer 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.
Coping at work during treatment

The impact cancer treatment has on your work will depend on your situation. Find out more about the support you can get at work during treatment.
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 from one of our trained Macmillan Buddies, you don't have to face cancer alone.
Call us free on 0808 808 00 00
8am to 8pm, 7 days a week. You can talk to our cancer specialists about anything.
Email us
Email the Macmillan Support Team if you have any questions.
Chat online
Available 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week. For confidential, real-time support if you don’t want to call.
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.