Cancer can have a major emotional impact, not only on the person with cancer but also on their families and carers. Fortunately, there's plenty of support from a number of different healthcare professionals and organisations.
Anne McGee, Information Development Nurse, and Sue Green, Senior Information Development Nurse, at Macmillan Cancer Support last medically reviewed this article in March 2010.
Many people find that during their treatment they get a lot of support from their healthcare team. This includes the hospital doctors, nurses and your GP. It may also include some other health care professionals such as a social worker, dietician or occupational therapist.
Some people feel anxious because they need more information or have unanswered questions. It’s important to let your healthcare team know if you have any concerns - they can give you information and answer any questions you have and this can help to reduce your anxiety.
During your treatment you may see a clinical nurse specialist. These nurses work alongside the doctors and also provide emotional support for people with cancer and their families. They can often help with concerns which people feel they can’t talk about with their doctor. They are also likely to have details of local support groups and other organizations that may be able to help.
There are a number of voluntary organizations and charities that provide information and support for people with cancer and their families. Examples include:
These organizations have telephone helpline services where you can talk to a healthcare professional who is experienced in supporting people with cancer. The Cancer Counselling Trust offers face-to-face and telephone counselling for anyone affected by cancer.
Your nurse or doctor at the hospital will be able to give you details of specific organisations which may be able to help you (see also list at end of fact sheet).
You can also contact Macmillan Cancer Support (0808 808 00 00, 9am-8pm, Mon-Fri) for more information about services.
There are cancer support groups in most areas of the UK. They may include only people who have cancer, or they may be open to people who have friends or relatives with cancer. . They are sometimes led by a healthcare professional. Some groups are for specific types of cancer while others are for any type of cancer.
Joining a group can be helpful if you live alone, or don’t feel able to talk with people around you. Some people find groups very helpful, and they form close relationships with other members. However, others get embarrassed or uncomfortable when talking about personal issues with strangers. It might help to go along to see what a group is like first before you decide whether to join it. If you don’t find a support group suits you, there are plenty of other ways to get the support you need.
Some organisations offer the chance to speak to someone on a one to one basis, either over the phone or in person. Bereavement support services often operate in this way.
You doctor or nurse should be able to tell you about support groups in your area. You can also contact Macmillan Cancer Support on 0808 808 00 00 (lines open 9am-8pm, Mon-Fri).
Internet support groups. There are now a number of internet groups for people with cancer. If you want, you can stay anonymous and just read the emails or posts of other people. This can be very helpful as you may well find that they have similar thoughts and feelings as you. This can help you to feel less alone and learn how to cope with your treatment and the cancer. Internet groups are easy to join and easy to leave, without any need for personal contact or explanations.
It can sometimes help to talk to a counsellor. Counsellors are people who are trained to listen and help people talk through their problems. They will not give advice or answers, but will help you find your own answers. Talking one to one with a trained counsellor in a more focused way can help you sort out your feelings and find ways of coping with them. This can be very helpful, particularly if you aren’t able to discuss your feelings and emotions with people close to you.
If you think that you may benefit from counselling, let your nurse or doctor know. They should be able to put you in touch with a professionally trained counsellor in your area. Alternatively the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy has a searchable list of counsellors on their website.
Most counselling services provide face to face counselling. The Cancer Counselling Trust also provides telephone counselling for people unable to visit their London office. Although their counseling is free, donations are welcomed if people are able to do so.
Clinical psychologists are part of the wider healthcare team who may be able to help you cope with your feelings and emotions. They are trained to understand what people think and feel, and how they behave, particularly in stressful situations, such as coping with cancer. If you’re depressed or anxious, a clinical psychologist can help you reduce distress by changing your ways of thinking or the things that you do to help you to feel better.
Many cancer units have clinical psychologists who work closely with their healthcare teams. Your doctor will be able to refer you to a clinical psychologist if they think this will be helpful for you.
Hospital chaplains are happy to help anyone, whether they're religious or not. Many local religious groups also have people who are willing to offer support and practical help, at home or in hospital.
The following services may be useful for people for whom English isn't their first language or who have problems communicating:
These services are usually provided by the NHS, social services, or by an established interpreting and advocacy service. Your doctors and nurses and your local Citizens Advice Bureau will be able to provide further information on these services.
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