Each individual creates their own map
A lot of research now shows that people who access support over and above their medical treatment enjoy a better quality of life. Here are some sites to help you navigate your way to finding useful and meaningful information, ranging from medical to practical support.
Whether you are considering different treatment options, looking for support with side effects or coping with changes to your appearance, managing the ongoing impact of treatment, or improving wellbeing through diet, exercise and complimentary therapies, there are many sources of information to guide you.
Cancer is a journey that no one needs to take alone.
Medical Guides
Experience also tells us that most people diagnosed with cancer know very little about their disease. If you would like more medical information about your diagnosis, please access these links:
Gynaecological cancer organisations
Ovarian Cancer Action is committed to improving survival for women with ovarian cancer through research and awareness.
The Eve Appeal charity fundraises for research into gynaecological cancers, with a current focus on ovarian cancer.
Target Ovarian Cancer is working to improve diagnosis and treatment of this disease and dedicated to achieving a long and good life for every woman diagnosed with ovarian cancer.
Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust (Jo’s Trust) is for women and their families affected by cervical cancer and cervical abnormalities.
Cancer Research UK is the world’s leading charity dedicated to beating cancer through research into preventing, diagnosing and treating cancer.
The national health line providing expert health advice, information and reassurance, using telephone and digitally delivered health services.
Cancer care organisations
Macmillan Cancer Support provides practical, medical, emotional and financial support to people living with cancer, and their families and carers.
Marie Curie Cancer Care provides a community nursing service (day and night) as well as welfare grant schemes. Applications should be made through the district nursing service or GP.
Counselling organisations
Cancer Counselling Trust's network of therapists are able to offer you skilled and informed support either face to face or over the phone.
Counsel and Care provides information for older people and their families and carers on a wide range of issues, including finding residential accommodation; arranging care at home; benefits and hospital discharge.
British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy produces a directory of counsellors and will send out a list of practitioners in your area
Financial help and advice
As well as having a major physical and emotional impact on your life, your diagnosis can also affect your financial situation. Many people are not aware of the benefits they are entitled to or are too embarrassed to ask for help. Your local Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) is a good place to start for initial or general guidance. The government department responsible for this area of welfare is the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). Also, if you are of working age you can ask Jobcentre Plus for help. The NHS may also offer free prescriptions.
Citizens Advice provides free and confidential advice and information on a wide range of issues and can offer general guidance or point you in the direction for more specific advice.
Department for Work and Pensions provides confidential advice for those who are ill as well as general information about all benefits including local help.
Jobcentre Plus is theGovernment agency that supports people of working age and can offer advice about claiming work-related and other benefits.
Other organisations
For further information or support you may find these organisations useful:
Age UK aim to improve later life for everyone through information and advice, campaigns, products, training and research.
Carers UK help the millions of people who care for family or friends by providing free and confidential information and advice about caring alongside practical and emotional support for carers.