Find the words to talk about cancer
It's not easy to talk about cancer, but it could help
We know how it feels, to want to do the right thing. To not talk about it and protect the people around you. To not want to burden your family, bother your friends, or bring the mood down at work.
But all that the people around you hear is the silence. And silence can be the hardest thing to bear.
What’s he thinking? Have I said the wrong thing? Am I being unhelpful? Is he angry at me?
We know it’s not easy to talk about cancer. But it could help. Find the words with Macmillan.
Find the words with Macmillan
Call the Macmillan Support Line for free* on 0808 239 3759. We're open, 7 days a week, 8am to 8pm.
We're helping men to talk
Justin and Matt
Chris and Sam
Kiwi and Jonjo
Information and resources to help you talk
Talking to your friends and family can be difficult. We have information to help you talk about cancer, including talking to children and teenagers.
Or you can listen to:
- TalkSport on Youtube. Every Thursday from 9th June a Macmillan expert and a sports celebrity will be on the White and Jordan show, talking about their cancer experience with the hosts.
- Our podcast series Talking Cancer Podcast that includes guests affected by cancer and health experts.
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Answers to common questions
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Questions about treatment?
Whatever you need to ask about cancer or treatment, we are here for you:
- Contact our information specialists and nurses to ask your questions on 0808 239 1172, web chat or email.
- Sign up to trusted information by email from day one.
- Get information from other people with cancer through our Online Community. You can also get expert advice on our ask an expert pages.
- Our website has lots of information about cancer types and treatment. You can also answer 6 quick questions to get a personal guide based on your needs.
- Visit your local Information and Support Centre to speak to someone in person and pick up leaflets.
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Questions about how you're feeling?
Whether you need - someone to listen, someone to chat to or help from a professional counsellor - we’re here:
- Contact our cancer support team on 0808 239 8573, web chat or email; they are here to listen, give support and refer you on to further professional help, such as counselling, if you need it.
- Chat to other people with cancer on our Online Community.
- Drop into your local Information and Support Centre; they are there to listen and offer support.
- Register for a Macmillan Telephone Buddy - if you need to talk, we're here to listen. With a weekly call from one of our trained Telephone Buddies, you don't have to face cancer alone.
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Questions about managing day to day tasks?
Cancer can have a big impact on your everyday life. Whatever you need support with, from doing the shopping and cooking to organising transport, we have practical tips and information to help you manage day-to-day tasks.
- Contact our cancer support team on 0808 239 2673, web chat or email.
- Sign up to trusted information by email from day one.
- Talk to other people with cancer on our Online Community.
- Visit your local Information and Support Centre to pick up information or for a chat about the local support available.
- Find information and support with managing practical tasks on our website.
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Questions about money worries?
We know that cancer can cause lots of money worries. From how to manage the impact on your household budget, to what support may be available and how to access it – we are here to help you, whatever you need to ask.
- Contact our support line by calling on 0808 239 8319, web chat or email. You can select to speak to our specialist Financial Guides and Welfare Rights Advisors team about any money worries you might have.
- Sign up to trusted information by email from day one.
- Meet with our team face to face to find out what payments you may be entitled to and for help completing the right forms.
- Visit our website for information about managing money worries.
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Questions about work?
We know that cancer can cause problems at work, whether you’re employed or self-employed. Whatever you need to ask about cancer and your rights at work, we’re here for you:
- Contact our specialist team on 0808 239 5164, web chat or email; our work support team can support with advice and refer you for one-off legal advice if you need it.
- Sign up to trusted information by email from day one.
- Visit your local Information and Support Centre to speak to someone in person about your work situation.
- Read our help with work information.