When you, a family member or friend, is diagnosed with cancer, you are likely to have many questions. 



---         How can I learn more about the type of cancer I have?
---         Who can I speak to about financial advice?
---         How can I help someone who has cancer?
---         How can I find out about local and national support groups?
---         I am finishing treatment – what happens now?

Call the Macmillan Support Line
The Macmillan Support Line can provide information, emotional support and benefits advice. It is open Monday-Friday 9am-8pm and is free to call from all landlines and most mobile networks.
Call 0808 808 00 00 for cancer support at home, over the phone.

At Your GP Surgery
Rather than just giving a prescription for medicine, GPs will provide information and discuss what to download from www.nhs.uk. It might be a leaflet about your specific cancer, or information about the effects of treatment. You can do this yourself by visiting www.nhs.uk/ipg

Cancer IT Support at your local library
If you are not sure about visiting the information prescription system at NHS Choices www.nhs.uk/ipg  yourself, then library staff in Cornwall have been trained in how to give internet support and will be willing to assist. Computers are available for your use in your local library.

Cancer Books at your local library
In addition, libraries in Cornwall now have a range of books about cancer – some written by people with cancer themselves, others with more technical information – that are available to borrow. Please click here to view the Macmillan Cancer book list at Cornwall Libraries. We are very keen to seek your views on any cancer books you have read. You can find out more on how to review a cancer book by visiting www.cancerbookreview.org.uk

Information and Support at your local Hospitals Trust
If you are referred to the Royal Cornwall Hospital with a suspected or confirmed cancer diagnosis it is  likely that you will be referred to a Clinical Nurse Specialist (or CNS).  The CNS is an experienced nurse who specialises in a particular illness or condition.  The CNS will become your Keyworker and will be able to provide you with information about your condition. The information may be given in a variety of methods from an initial face to face discussion, to information leaflets, recommended websites, support groups or signposting to other organisations such as Social Services or the Citizens Advice Bureaux. If for any reason you are not referred to a CNS you will find that most wards and clinics have a good selection of relevant information leaflets.  If you don’t find what you want, please always ask a member of staff. There is also a Patient Advice & Liaison (PALS) office at Treliske and the Mustard Tree Macmillan Centre at Derriford Hospital who will always assist patients, relatives and carers.

*Visit the Macmillan website
On Macmillan’s website, www.macmillan.org.uk, there is a wealth of information about all aspects of cancer, its treatment and how to manage the way it impacts upon every day life. You can find out more about your specific cancer type, or you can look at how to manage symptoms and side effects of treatment.

Cancer does not just affect health, it can also have a major impact on your finances. On the Macmillan website there is information about the benefits to which you might be entitled, and how to cope with some of the extra costs that you might incur.

*Join the Macmillan online community
Do you wake up at 3am and wonder who you can talk to? So do lots of other people with cancer, and many of them can be found chatting at Macmillan’s online community forums on www.macmillan.org.uk/community on facebook www.facebook.com/macmillancancer and on twitter http://twitter.com/macmillancancer  Whatever you are experiencing, it is likely that someone else can empathise and will be happy to talk to you about it. Some firm friendships have been forged online and invaluable support has been provided.

If you are concerned about your cancer or think you may be suffering from cancer please consult your appropriate healthcare professional or GP at the earliest opportunity.

If you would like further information about this project please contact mark.rawles@nhs.net

Questions about Cancer in Cornwall is a project set up and supported by Macmillan Cancer Support, Cornwall Council and the Peninsula Cancer Network.

If you are a professional requiring further information on this project please click here