Cancer Support Groups
National groups
There are more than 200 different cancers. You may not find a group just for your cancer if it is uncommon. Some cancers have a single support group, for example, Gynae Girls in the local list supports women with different sorts of gynaecological cancers, and there is a group for all male cancers.
We all react differently to our diagnosis. You may have joined us, you may not yet be ready or you may not ever want to join a local support group. So where else can you go for help, support and information besides your specialist cancer nurse? Here we are building a list of national and international organisations that members have found particularly helpful. It currently combines one on the Marie Curie website with other organisations recommended by Network members. It is not and does not aim to be comprehensive.
If you can’t see an organisation that fits your needs go to the following overarching organisations to use their resources and find current lists of active support services and groups: Cancer Research UK, Macmillan Cancer Support, Cancer Support UK, Marie Curie. In addition Dimbleby Cancer Care is compiling a map of all the local support groups across the country. Take a look at cancercaremap.org
Current members of the network and others in their group(s) have found the following very useful:
Action Bladder Cancer
This national organisation made up of specialist medical staff and patients supports the local group.
http://actionbladdercanceruk.org
Bloodwise
The UK’s specialist blood cancer charity, providing practical and emotional support to anyone affected by blood cancer.
0808 2080 888
Bowel Cancer UK
A charity which provides information and support for people affected by bowel cancer.
020 7940 1760
https://www.bowelcanceruk.org.uk
Breast Cancer Care
Providing care, information and support to people affected by breast cancer.
0808 800 6000
https://www.breastcancercare.org.uk
British Lung Foundation
Provides information, care and support for people with pulmonary illnesses including lung cancer
https://www.blf.org.uk/support-for-you/lung-cancer
Cancercaremap
Cancer Care Map is a simple, online resource that aims to help people find cancer-related services in their local area wherever you are in the UK.
https://www.cancercaremap.org/
Cancer Research UK
A research and awareness charity for anyone affected by any kind of cancer.
Talk to specialist nurses on 0808 800 4040 or share your experiences at cancerchat.org.uk
https://www.cancerresearchuk.org
CLIC Sargent
UK cancer charity for children, young people and their families. They provide clinical, practical, financial and emotional support to help people cope with cancer and get the most out of life.
0300 330 0803
https://www.clicsargent.org.uk
Fight Bladder Cancer
This organisation was set up and is run by bladder cancer patientsFight Bladder Cancer
https://fightbladdercancer.co.uk
Head and Neck Cancers
A very useful source of information and advice, some of it especially for patients and their carers
Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust
UK charity dedicated to women affected by cervical cancer and cervical abnormalities.
0808 802 8000
Leukaemia Care
Leukaemia Care is a national blood cancer charity that provides emotional support, advice and help to anyone affected by a blood cancer.
08088 010 444
https://www.leukaemiacare.org.uk
Lymphoedema Support Network (LSN)
The LSN is a registered charity run by people who live with lymphoedema and is the largest information provider about the condition in the UK.
020 7351 4480
Male Cancers
Support for men experiencing testicular, penile, or prostate cancer.
Myeloma UK
For one particular type of blood cancer there is a dedicated group
Pancreatic Cancer UK
Pancreatic Cancer UK provides expert, personalised support to people affected by pancreatic cancer via their Support Line and through their information. They also have an online forum and provide local face to face support through their Living with Pancreatic Cancer Support Days.
0808 801 0707
https://www.pancreaticcancer.org.uk
Prostate Cancer UK
RipRap
Information for teenagers who have a parent with cancer. The website also features real stories of other young people’s experiences.
Teenage Cancer Trust
Improves the quality of life and chances of survival for young people with cancer, with support and specialist services around the UK.
020 7612 0370