Cancer

Cancer
One in three people will be affected by cancer at some stage in their life.
Having cancer can give rise to a whole range of strong emotions - shock, fear, anger, bitterness, confusion and depression. These emotions may be caused by:

Uncertainty about the future, such as not knowing what is going to happen or whether the cancer can be cured.

Unfamiliarity with hospitals, healthcare professionals and treatments - this can make a person feel less in control.

Social Isolation - when people are ill they may not see their usual friends or work colleagues. This may make them feel more isolated at a time when they need people around them.

For a person with cancer, talking about their fears and concerns can go a long way to helping reduce anxiety.

Treatments

You may benefit from talking to a UKCP accredited psychotherapist outside your usual circle of friends and family. Psychotherapy is a working relationship in which you are helped to explore and manage what is happening in your life. Key aims are to help you understand and control your anxieties and to find better ways of dealing with life’s continuing challenges. Examples include: integrative and cognitive behavioural therapy.

In addition to recommending that you speak to a psychotherapist, your GP will refer you to a hospital team which specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of your type of cancer. This is known as a multidisciplinary team. It’s usually led by a consultant surgeon or oncologist who will have overall responsibility for your care. Your multidisciplinary team may include:
Surgeons - doctors who are experienced in a particular type of surgery such as breast surgery or gastrointestinal surgery.

Oncologists – doctors who have experience in cancer treatment using chemotherapy, radiotherapy, hormonal and biological therapy.

Radiologists – who help to read scans and x-rays and report on them.

Therapy Radiographers – who are responsible for giving radiotherapy treatment. They work closely with clinical oncologists in planning treatment. You'll see a radiographer every time you attend a radiotherapy treatment, and they'll be able to give you advice and support during your treatment.

Pathologists – who advise on the type and extent of your cancer

Specialist nurses – who provide information and support for cancer patients and their families. These specialist nurses are a useful point of contact at the hospital.

Other staff – you may also see dieticians, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, counsellors and social workers. Some of these health care professionals have teams that work in the community as well, so can visit you in your own home.

Dieticians and Nutritionists – advise on all aspects of dietary problems that people with cancer may experience during their treatment. They are able to assess the food needs of people with cancer, advise on which foods are best and whether any food supplements would be helpful.

Physiotherapists – can help you regain your muscle strength after surgery and advise you on appropriate exercises to improve your energy, strength, mobility, coordination and balance.
Counsellors and psychologists – some people need more than advice and support. You may find that the impact of cancer leads to depression, feelings of helpless ness and anxiety. Counsellors are trained to listen and help people talk through their problems.

Clinical psychologists are trained to understand what people think and feel, and how they behave, particularly in stressful situations, such as coping with cancer.

Social workers – can arrange for you to have help at home with chores such as cleaning and personal care. You may have to pay for these services yourself depending on your savings or income. Social workers can also give you information about any benefits you may be able to claim such as attendance allowance or disability living allowance or help with hospital fares.

Occupational therapists – can assess whether you need adaptations or extra equipment (such as a shower seat, raised toilet seat, handrails, or stairlift) that will make it easier for you to manage at home.

Cancer information staff – many cancer centres have staff members who can provide information and support about cancer, its treatments and side effects, and any other issues that may arise for patients and their families.

Cancer Support Organisations

Cancer Aid and Listening Line (CALL)
Emotional support and home-based practical help for people living with cancer, their carers and families.
Helpline: 0845 123 2329
Website: www.canceraid.co.uk

Cancerbackup
Practical advice and support for patients, families, carers and friends.
Helpline: 0808 800 1234
Website: www.cancerbackup.org.uk

Cancer Chat
An online forum for people affected by cancer to share information and experiences, provided by Cancer Research.
Website: www.cancerchat.org.uk

Cancer Counselling Trust
Offers counselling from trained therapists for people affected by cancer.
Tel: 020 7843 2292
Email: support@cctrust.org.uk
Website: www.cancercounselling.org.uk

CancerHelp UK
Free information service about cancer and cancer care, provided by Cancer Research UK.
Helpline: 0808 800 4040
Website: www.cancerhelp.org.uk

Cancer Research UK
Researches the causes, prevention and treatment of cancer.
Tel: 020 7242 0200
Website: www.cancerresearchuk.org

Cancer Vaccine Institute
Funds research to develop vaccines to help patients live longer.
Tel: 0845 602 0662
Website: www.cancervaccine.org.uk

Chai Cancer Care
Offers physical, emotional and spiritual support to Jewish cancer patients, their families and friends.
Helpline: 0808 808 4567
Website: www.chaicancercare.org

Cruse Bereavement Care
Help for bereaved people, whatever their age, nationality or beliefs, including a free counselling service.
Helpline: 0844 477 9400
Email: helpine@cruse.org.uk
Website: www.crusebereavementcare.org.uk

Hospice Information
Provide information to the public and professionals on hospice and palliative care in the UK and internationally
Tel: 020 7520 8222
Email: info@helpthehospices.org.uk
Website: www.helpthehospices.org.uk/hospiceinformation

Macmillan Cancer Support

Services include Macmillan nurses and doctors, cancer centres and financial help.
CancerLine: 0808 808 2020
Email: cancerline@macmillan.org.uk
Youth Line: 0808 808 0800
Email: youthline@macmillan.org.uk
Website: www.macmillan.org.uk

Marie Curie Cancer Care
Runs a nationwide network of nurses providing free hands-on palliative care in patients' homes.
Helpline: 020 7599 7777
Website: www.mariecurie.org.uk

New Approaches to Cancer
Promotes the benefits of complementary therapies and holistic treatment for cancer patients and their carers. Provides an information and referral service.
Tel: 0800 389 2662
Email: help@anac.org.uk
Website: www.newapproaches.co.uk

Sue Ryder Care
Cares for people with life-shortening illnesses through specialist hospice care services.
Tel: 020 7400 0440
Website: www.suerydercare.org

Tenovus Cancer Information Centre
Funds support and counselling services for cancer patients and their families through a team of nurses, counsellors and social workers.
Helpline: 0808 808 1010
Website: www.tenovus.com

Cancer Buddies Network
A registered charity enabling patients, carers, or family and friends affected by cancer to make contact.
Email: enquiry@cancerbuddiesnetwork.org
Website:www.cancerbuddiesnetwork.org

Christian Lewis Trust
Grants, respite care, local support groups, continuing care nurses, social workers and play therapists for children with cancer.
Tel: 01792 480500
Email: enquiries@christianlewistrust.org
Website: www.christianlewistrust.org

CLIC Sargent
Practical financial help, holiday breaks and emotional support for children and young people with cancer, and their families.
Helpline: 0800 197 0068
Email: helpline@clicsargent.org.uk
Website: www.clicsargent.org.uk

The Compassionate Friends
An organisation of bereaved parents and their families offering understanding, support and encouragement after the death of a child.
Helpline: 0845 123 2304
Email: helpline@tcf.org.uk
Website: www.tcf.org.uk