Coronavirus guidance for patients

We know this is a very challenging time for healthcare professionals and your patients. Thank you for your support of people living with cancer and their families.

We have developed coronavirus information for people living with cancer, which includes emotional and practical support for people at this challenging time. We also have information and resources for professionals, to help you look after your own well-being. We will continue to update these pages regularly.

If you would like the latest coronavirus information and guidance, you can also visit the NHS website.

Macmillan Support Line

Cancer can touch every part of your patients’ lives. Our specialist advisers will listen, support and help navigate your patients’ needs. Tell your patients to call us free* on 0800 808 00 00, 7 days a week, 8am to 8pm.


Ways we can help

We can support patients with any questions they have about cancer, which includes:

  • Support with money worries

    We can help your patients understand how to manage the impact of cancer on their household budget, what support is available and help them access it.

    Your patients can contact our specialist team about any money worries on 0808 808 00 00, web chat or email, Monday to Friday, 8pm - 6pm.

  • Energy Advice

    If cancer is affecting someone’s ability to pay the bills, our energy advice team can check if your patients are entitled to any additional support through charitable grants – no matter who supplies their gas, electricity and water.

    Your patients can contact our energy advice team on 0808 808 00 00, web chat or email, Monday to Friday, 8am - 6pm.

  • Welfare Rights

    Our welfare rights advisers can help your patients access the benefits, financial support and grants they may be entitled to. We can also help them find out if they are eligible for a Macmillan grant to help with the financial impact of cancer.

    Your patients can contact our welfare rights team on 0808 808 00 00, web chat or email, Monday to Friday, 8am - 8pm; Saturday to Sunday, 9am - 5pm.

  • Information and support about work

    We can help your patients understand their work rights, whether they are employed or self-employed. Our work support team can offer advice and refer your patients for one-off legal advice if they need it.

    Your patients can contact our work support team on 0808 808 00 00, web chat or email, Monday to Friday, 8am - 6pm.

  • Support to help your patients practically

    We can give your patients practical tips and information to help them manage day-to-day tasks such as doing the shopping or cooking and help them find local support.

    Your patients can contact our cancer support team on 0808 808 00 00, web chat or email, 7 days a week, 8am - 8pm.

  • Support with how you are feeling

    We can help with how your patients are feeling, whether they just want someone to listen, someone to chat to or help from a professional counsellor. Your patients can contact our cancer support team on 0808 808 00 00, web chat or email, 7 days a week, 8am - 8pm.

  • Information about cancer and treatment

    We can answer your patients’ questions about cancer or treatment, whether they want to discuss their diagnosis, tests and monitoring or treatment. Your patients can contact our information specialists and nurses on 0808 808 00 00, web chat or email, 7 days a week, 8am - 8pm.

Support for patients at diagnosis

We can offer your patients tailored, ongoing information and support to help them cope with the physical, financial and emotional impacts of cancer. From advice on how to talk to loved ones and preparing for treatment, to understanding which benefits they may be entitled to, we’re here to help.

Signing up for support is simple

Your patients can sign up to receive ongoing information via email or post, with content tailored to their cancer type. Tell your patients to:

Cancer information and booklets

We offer free, easy to understand information, in a range of formats. Our high quality cancer information is written by experts and covers a wide range of topics for people with cancer, their loved ones and carers.

You can browse all of our cancer information on our website.

You can also order booklets for your patients.

Macmillan Online Community

Macmillan’s Online Community is a place for people living with cancer to find others who understand what they are going through. It’s easy to join a conversation, read a blog or ask an expert for information. It's anonymous, free and open 24/7. Your patients can sign up at community.macmillan.org.uk.

Free Bupa counselling

Through Bupa, we are offering up to six counselling sessions, free for your patients who may be struggling emotionally because of cancer. Within days, those who are eligible can receive specialist, remote support.

Your patients can call the Macmillan Support Line free* on 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week, 8am to 8pm, and ask about the Bupa service.

Find out more about how this service can help people living with cancer and who can access it by visiting our Bupa page.

Money and cancer

Cancer can be tough on people’s finances. Money worries can be confusing and overwhelming, but we're here to help. We can provide people with the information, support and guidance to find their best way through.

Find out what resources and support are available to help support patients with managing money when you have cancer.

Work and cancer

We can offer help, support and guidance on work and cancer. If your patient has or has had cancer, they are protected by law from unfair treatment at work. We can help with questions about work and cancer. Please tell your patients to call our Work Support Service on 0800 808 00 00 (Monday - Friday, 8am - 6pm).

Find out more about the information we have to support patients about work and cancer.

Search for local support services

Macmillan supports over 900 independent cancer support groups and organisations in the UK. If your patient would like to find somewhere locally to talk about their cancer experience, search our directory below.

Search our services directory

Information and Support Centres

Our local information and support centres aim to provide a listening ear. We also offer information on everything from different cancer types to finding support groups.

Some of our support centres offer counselling, complementary therapy or support to deal with issues such as hair loss. Our centres are open to everyone and you don't need to book an appointment. 

Find a local support centre