National Support Organisations
Helplines and Websites
General:
Cancer Research UK is the European leader in the development of new anti-cancer drugs. It funds research on all aspects of the disease from its causes, to treatment and prevention, education and psychological support for patients. They produce high quality information for people affected by cancer, health professionals and the general public through their CancerHelp website.
Helpline: 0808 800 40 40
Website: www.cancerresearchuk.org
Cancer Support UK is a national charity offering practical and emotional support for people living with and beyond cancer. Cancer Support UK provides practical and emotional support to people with cancer, during and after the treatment period offering support to people with all kinds of cancer across the UK. Services include free Cancer Coach support groups, free helpful Cancer Kits and Cancer Support Training for those interested, designed and delivered by people who have experienced cancer themselves, to improve the experience of others.
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Helpline: 020 3983 7616
Email: hello@cancersupportuk.org
Macmillan Cancer Support provides care and support for people with cancer at every stage of their illness through. They provide information, advice and emotional support to cancer patients and their families. They produce leaflets, audio tapes and CDs, and Braille booklets about living with cancer. Their freephone telephone and letter information service is provided by a team of specialist cancer nurses. Their benefits advice line offers advice on financial matters generally.Telephone Support for Young People-Youthline 0808 808 0800
Helpline: 0808 808 00 00
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Email: cancerline@macmillan.org.uk
Website: www.macmillan.org.uk
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Marie Curie Cancer Care provides nursing and end of life care. They produce information leaflets for patients and carers. Website: www.mariecurie.org.uk
Helpline 0800 090 23 09
The Sexual Advice Association provides information on sexual problems that can affect women and men. They provide lists of local specialist practitioners, as well as fact sheets.
Telephone: 02074 867262
Email: info@sexualadviceassociation.co.uk.
Website: www.sda.uk.net
Tenovus Your Cancer Charity
Tel: 029 207 68799
Helpline: 0808 808 10 10 – national freephone helpline 7 days a week 8am to 8pm (answer machine available on the same number)
Website: www.tenovus.org.uk
general enquiries: info@tenovuscancercare.org.uk
A team of social workers; welfare rights officers and qualified counsellors. All providing support information and advice to people affected by cancer.
Provide information leaflets on request and as well as a telephone helpline they provide an “Ask the Nurse” e-mail service through their website.
Charities with a Focus on Children and Young People:
The Kids Cancer Charity supports families affected by children’s cancers. They offer a befriending service, play therapy, family outings and holidays and bereavement support.
Helpline: 01792 480500
Website: www.childrens-cancer-care.org.uk
general enquiries: enquiries@kidscancercharity.org
CCLG (Children’s Cancer and Leukaemia Group) are one of the leading producers of high quality information for children and young people with cancer and their families. Their information leaflets address issues such as siblings, grandparents, treatment, and bereavement.
Helpline: 0116 252 58 58
Website: www.cclg.org.uk
CLIC Sargent cares for children and young people with cancer age 16 to 24 and their families. They produce information leaflets, provide social workers, benefits advice and play specialists. They offer family holidays, small grants and have an online community that includes chat forums, parents tips and patients stories.
Helpline: 0300 330 08 03
Website: www.clicsargent.org.uk
LATCH - the Welsh Children’s Cancer Charity supports the children’s oncology centre in Wales at UHW. They provide emotional and practical support to children and families. They offer holidays and other treats, activity weekends, and an annual children’s party. They can help with
traveling expenses and any extra requirements at home.
Helpline: 029 2074 8858
Website : www.latchwales.org
email: info@latchwales.org
The Teenage Cancer Trust supports teenagers and young adults with cancer. They have information online and links to other websites. They organise an annual conference called ‘find your sense of tumour’ for young people who are still having treatment or have recently completed treatment.
Helpline: 020 7612 0370
Website: www.teenagecancertrust.org/
Specific Condition Support Charities ( alphabetical)
Bladder Cancer
The Bladder and Bowel Foundation is the UK's largest advocacy charity providing information and support for all types of bladder and bowel related problems, for patients, their families, carers and healthcare professionals.
Helpline: 0845 345 0165
Email: info@bladderandbowelfoundation.org
Website: www.bladderandbowelfoundation.org
The Urostomy Association supports people who are about to undergo, or have undergone surgery resulting in the diversion of the urinary stream.
Helpline: 01889 563191
Website: www.urostomyassociation.org.uk
Bone Cancer
The Bone Cancer Research Trust promotes research into the causes and treatment of primary bone cancer and in particular of osteosarcoma and Ewing's sarcoma. They are also looking to provide information, support and, in the longer term, counselling services for those suffering from primary bone cancer, and their families.
Helpline: 0113 258 5934
Website: www.bonecancerresearch.org.uk
Email: info@bcrt.org.uk
Bowel Cancer
Beating Bowel Cancer are a national charity working to highlight awareness of symptoms, promote early diagnosis and encourage open access to treatment choice for those affected by bowel cancer. Information on bowel cancer can be accessed either through their website or the Nurse Advisory Helpline.
Helpline: 020 8973 0011
Email: nurse@beatingbowelcancer.org
Website: www.beatingbowelcancer.org
Bowel Cancer UK provide information about bowel cancer prevention, screening and symptoms through its website, leaflets and a bowel cancer advisory service run by specialist colorectal nurses.
Helpline: 0870 850 6050
Email: admin@bowelcanceruk.org.uk
Website: www.bowelcanceruk.org.uk
The Colostomy Association offers support, reassurance and information to anyone who has had a colostomy or is facing one. They produce a range of free literature with useful and practical guidance. They offer home and hospital visits by experienced colostomates, and telephone advice and support. They also produce a quarterly newsletter. All services are free of charge.
Phone: 0800 328 4257
or 0800 587 6744 Email: cass@colostomyassociation.org.uk Website: www.colostomyassociation.org.uk
The Ileostomy and Internal Pouch Support Group helps anyone who has had or is about to have their colon removed and has an ileostomy or internal pouch. Branches throughout the UK provide advice, information leaflets, and home and hospital visiting. The website hosts forums for discussion. There’s a membership fee.
Helpline: 0800 018 4724
Email: info@iasupport.org
Website: www.iasupport.org.uk
Brain Cancer
Brain Tumour Action provide information and support to people affected by brain tumours. They provide a helpline and counselling service and an online support group.
Telephone: 0131 466 3116
Website: www.braintumouraction.org.uk
Email: administration@braintumouraction.org.uk
Brain Tumour Research are a group of 14 organisations that combine to raise awareness of brain tumours yet maintain their own identities. They provide support, information and funding for research. Their website has lots of useful links and stories of the experiences of some of their supporters.
Helpline: 01908 867200
Website: www.braintumourresearch.org
The Brain Tumour Charity provide information and support as well as funding research into brain tumours. They have information about brain tumours and treatments and patient stories.
Helpline: 0808 800 0004
Website: www.thebraintumourcharity.org
Breast Cancer
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Breast Cancer Care provides support and practical assistance to anyone affected by breast cancer. They produce information leaflets, DVDs, newsletters, and a magazine. They offer specific support for younger women, people with secondary breast cancer and partners. They run lingerie evenings and offer prosthesis fitting. They offer information sessions and a cancer rehabilitation programme. They have online chat forums.
Helpline: 0800 800 6000
Website: www.breastcancernow.org.uk
Breast Cancer Care Cymru
Breast Cancer Care is here for anyone affected by breast cancer, bringing people together, providing information and support and campaigning for improved standards of care.
One to one support, via telephone contact for women and men affected by breast cancer and their partners.
Free confidential helpline with calls answered by someone with personal or professional experience of breast cancer.
Website giving access to round the clock information when you need it.
Online discussion forums and Live Chat Ask the Nurse enquiries by e-mail.
Extensive information resources Inc leaflets, booklets, short films and audio clips to download.
Headstrong service to help you prepare for the potential shock of losing your hair due to cancer treatment; a free private appointment
Lingerie evenings for more confidence when choosing a bra after surgery.
Information and support sessions covering a range of topics to help you move forward after treatment.
Younger Women’s Forum providing support and information for women aged up to 45 who have been diagnosed with breast cancer in the last three years.
Specialised support for people with secondary breast cancer.
Tel: 0845 077 1894
0808 8006000 – National Helpline – staffed Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm and Saturday 9am to 2pm
Web site: www.breastcancernow.org.uk
Cancer of the Gullet
Ochre is a national cancer charity for people affected by oesophageal cancer. They promote awareness of oesophageal cancer. They also intends to encourage research into the causes of oesophageal cancer and to develop information and support services for patients and their families.
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Helpline: 0800 822 3370
Email: committee@ochrecharity.co.uk
Website: www.ochrecharity.co.uk
Oesophageal Patients Association provides a national helpline, information booklets, and regional meetings where patients can find support from others.
Telephone: 0121 704 9860 Monday - Friday 9 - 5pm
Email: enquiries@opa.org.uk
Website: www.opa.org.uk
Gynaecological Cancers
Eve Appeal fund research into prevention, diagnosis and treatment options for ovarian cancer and other Gynaecological cancers.
Helpline: 020 7605 0108
Email: office@eveappeal.org.uk
Website: www.eveappeal.org.uk
Jo’s Trust provides information about cervical cancer and a confidential medical enquiry service. The website has a bulletin board where you can exchange experiences and information with others who have cervical cancer.
Helpline: 0808 802 8000
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Website: www.jotrust.co.uk
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Ovacome offers a nationwide telephone support network of Fone Friends who have had ovarian cancer and are happy to talk to others. Tel (admin): 020 7299 6650 (Monday to Friday 9.00am - 4.00pm)
Helpline: 0845 3710554
E-mail: support@ovacome.org.uk
Website: www.ovacome.org.uk
Ovarian Cancer Action aims to improve survival for women with ovarian cancer and raise awareness. The organisation also organises conferences and has a newsletter.
Helpline: 020 8238 7605 or 0207 380 1730
E-mail: info@ovarian.org.uk
Website: http://www.ovarian.org.uk
Vulval Awareness Campaign Organisation provides support and information via telephone and email to women with Vulval cancer.
Tel: 0161 747 5911
Email: vacouk@yahoo.com
Website: www.vaco.co.uk/
Women's Health Concern provides information on Gynaecological and sexual aspects of women’s health including some Gynaecological cancers.
They produce information leaflets on a range of subjects including hormone replacement therapy, menopause, hysterectomy and ovarian cysts. Can give personalized advice on menopause problems and hormone replacement therapy. Professional counseling available. Helpline: 0845 123 2319 Monday - Tuesday 10 -2pm, Wednesday - Friday 10 – 1pm
Website: www.womens-health-concern.org
Head and Neck Cancers
Changing Faces offer support to people who have disfigurements to their face or body. This may be due to a condition present at birth, accident or illness, or treatment for cancers of the head, neck, mouth, throat and skin. They offer a life-skills programme that includes one-to-one counselling and advice, group workshops, self-help guides and videos.
Helpline: 0845 4500 275 or 0207 391 9270
Email: info@changingfaces.org.uk
Website: www.changingfaces.org.uk
Let’s Face It is a charity that provides support for people with facial disfigurement and their family and friends. They produce newsletters, leaflets and offer counselling.
Phone: 01843 833 724
Website: www.lets-face-it.org.uk
Kidney Cancer
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James Whale Fund provide patients and their carers with improved access to reliable information about kidney cancer and its treatment, and works with the medical profession to improve standards of care. Has an online forum and chat room.
Email: admin@kcuk.org
Website: www.jameswhalefund.org
National Kidney Federation campaigns for improvements to care and treatment for people with kidney conditions, and supports patients and their families. National office can give local contacts.
Phone: 0845 601 02 09
Email: helpline@kidney.org.uk
Website: www.kidney.org.uk
Cancer of the Larynx
Cancer Laryngectomee Trust provides support and understanding for people who are about to have, or have had, a laryngectomy. Their aim is to promote and assist the relief of all people in the UK who have had a laryngectomy. The book 'Laryngectomy Is Not A Tragedy' by Sydney Norgate is free to all patients and health professionals.
Phone: 01422 205522 Website: www.cancerlt.org
Email: info@cancerlt.org
The National Association of Laryngectomee Clubs is an association of over 100 nationwide clubs to aid rehabilitation of people who have had laryngectomy surgery. They provide pre and post-surgery support, information and speech and language therapy. They produce booklets on laryngectomy issues.
Phone: 020 7730 8585
Email: info@laryngectomy.org.uk
Website: www.laryngectomy.org.uk
Leukaemia
Leukaemia CARE provides care & support to people affected by leukaemia, lymphoma & the allied blood disorders. They provide information, holidays, limited financial support and operate CARE Teams throughout the UK to ensure that there is local support wherever a patient and their family live.
Helpline: 080 8801 0444 24 hours, 7 days a week Email: care@leukaemiacare.org.uk
Website: www.leukaemiacare.org.uk
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Bloodwise
Bloodwise fund world-class research and offer expert information and support to anyone affected by leukaemia,lymphoma,myeloma and other blood cancer related disorders
Website: www.bloodwise.org.uk
Liver Cancer
The British Liver Trust provides information about cancer as well as other diseases of the liver. They produce a leaflet on liver cancer. Helpline: 0800 652 7330 Monday – Friday 9 – 5pm
Website: www.britishlivertrust.org.uk
Lung Cancer
British Lung Foundation provides information about lung cancer. They produce information leaflets. Their website lists details for local Breathe Easy support groups. Online discussion forums. They also run Pen Pals, this is a scheme that puts people who are affected by lung disease in touch with each other by email or post. There are schemes for patients and carers.
Helpline: 03000 030 555
Website: www.blf.org.uk
The Roy Castle Lung Foundation provides information and support for people with lung cancer. They produce leaflets and a DVD. Online chat forums.
Helpline: 0333 323 7200
Website: www.roycastle.org/
Lymphoma
The Lymphoma Action provides emotional support and information on a range of issues to anyone with lymphatic cancer and their families, carers and friends. They produce information leaflets, provide a buddy scheme and online chat forums.
Helpline: 0808 808 5555 Monday – Thursday 9 – 6pm and Friday 9 – 5pm
Website: www.lymphomas.org.uk
Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma UK provides impartial, up to date information for patients diagnosed with mesothelioma and their carers. They have a national free phone helpline which provides access to advice, lists of local contacts, and other sources of information.
Helpline: 0800 1692409 Monday – Friday 9 – 4pm
Website: www.mesothelioma.uk.com
Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma
Malignant mesothelioma is a rare cancer that develops in the mesothelium, the protective linings that cover various organs.This type of cancer most commonly affects the linings of the lungs (pleura) or abdomen (peritoneum). For more background information on the causes, symptoms and treatment options visit :
Website: https:www.asbestos.net/mesothelioma/pleural
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Mesolthelioma Centre
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The centre website features the most comprehensive guide to mesothelioma, including general information about the disease, treatment and symptoms
Website : https://www.asbestos.com/mesothelioma/peritoneal
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Myeloma
Myeloma UK provides an extensive range of information about myeloma for patients and carers. This includes information online and leaflets, Myeloma TV, an online chat forum and accounts of people Personal Experiences.
Helpline: 0800 980 3332
Website: www.myeloma.org.uk
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Pancreatic Cancer
Pancreatic Cancer UK is a national charity committed to cancer patients through information, support, awareness and research funding. Provide contact by email and/or telephone both with central coordinators and others in a similar situation (patients/relatives/carers).
Phone: 0808 801 0707 Email: support@pancreaticcancer.org.uk Website: www.pancreaticcancer.org.uk
Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund is a national charity that funds research into pancreatic cancer throughout the UK.
Phone: 020 8360 1119
Website: www.pcrf.org.uk
Prostate Cancer
Prostate Cancer UK provides information and support to those affected by prostate cancer. They produce information leaflets and offer one to one support with a Support Volunteer. They also have chat forums.
Helpline: 0800 074 8383 Monday to Friday 10am - 4pm plus Wednesday 7pm - 9pm
Website: www.prostate-cancer.org.uk
Sarcoma - (Bone and Soft Tissue Cancers)
Sarcoma UK provides information about sarcoma and its treatments and offer web based support.
Website: http://www.sarcoma.org.uk
Skin Cancer
Skin Cancer Research Fund (ScaRF) promotes research into all types of skin cancer. They produce information leaflets and provide support for people with skin cancer, particularly malignant melanoma.
Phone: 0117 4148755
Email: Caroline.Newton@nbt.nhs.uk
Website: www.skin-cancer-research-fund.org.uk
Stomach Cancer
CORE – the Digestive Disorders Foundation supports research into all forms of digestive disease. They produce a range of leaflets and fact sheets covering the disorders and diseases that can affect the digestive system including digestive cancers.
Phone: 020 7486 0341
Email: info@corecharity.org.uk
Website: www.corecharity.org.uk
Testicular Cancer
Orchid Cancer Appeal fund research into the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of testicular, prostate and penile cancers as well as promoting awareness of these cancers. They provide information and advice and produce leaflets and a testicular cancer awareness video.
Phone: 0808 802 0010
Email: info@orchid-cancer.org.uk
Website: www.orchid-cancer.org.uk
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Thyroid Cancer
The British Thyroid Foundation provides information and support to those affected by thyroid cancer for a small annual membership fee.
Tel: 01423 709707
Website: www.btf-thyroid.org/
Butterfly Thyroid Cancer Trust supports people affected by thyroid cancer. They offer email and telephone contact with group members, and a Buddy system.
Helpline: 01207 545469 Monday – Friday 10 – 4pm
Email: enquiries@butterfly.org.uk
Website: www.butterfly.org.uk
Non-Cancer Specific:
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Rip Rap
This website offers support to young people aged 12-16 where a memberof the family has been diagnosed with cancer.
Website: www.riprap.org.uk
Carers UK
If you are caring for someone who has cancer, Carers UK is here for you. They offer a warm and welcoming on-line community where you can share what's on your mind, day and night. You can talk about real issues with people who understand and who can support you through everything caring has to throw at you.
You can contact them at www.carersuk.org
Healthtalkonline has collections of patient experiences in writing and as audio and video clips. You can find out about other people's experiences of tests, treatment and living with cancer. There is also a patient forum. Healthtalkonline is run by the DIPEx (Database of Patient Experiences) charity.
Look Good ... Feel Better is a charity set up by the cosmetics industry. Volunteer beauty therapists provide skincare and make up workshops for women undergoing cancer treatment. All guests are provided with a free goodie bag.
E-mail: info@lgfb.co.uk
Website: www.lookgoodfeelbetter.co.uk
The Lymphoedema Support Network offers support to people affected by lymphoedema. They, produce fact sheets. Send a large self addressed envelope to them for an information pack (they cannot take email requests for the packs).
Information and support: 020 7351 4480
Email: admin@lsn.co.uk
Website: www.lymphoedema.org/lsn
Address: St Luke's Crypt, Sydney Street, London, SW3 6NH
The Princess Royal Trust for Carers is the largest provider of carers support services in the UK. Through a network of 144 independently managed Carers' Centres , 85 young carers services and interactive websites, www.carers.org and www.youngcarers.net, The Trust provides quality information, advice and support services.
Wales Office: 33-35 Cathedral Road, Cardiff, CF11 9HB
Tel: 02920 090087
E-mail: Info Wales (infowales@carers.org)
Web site: www.carers.org
Bereavement:
The Compassionate Friends support bereaved parents and their families. They produce leaflets, newsletters and have an online bookstore. They have an online forum and chatroom. They also have a website and publications specifically for siblings.
Helpline: 0845 123 2304 Main website: www.tcf.org.uk
Sibling support website: www.tcfsiblingsupport.org.uk
CRUSE Bereavement Care offer support to bereaved people to enable them to understand their grief and cope with their loss. They produce information leaflets. They have a website and publications specifically for children and young people.
Helpline: 0844 477 9400
Main website: www.cruse.org.uk
Young people’s website: www.rd4u.org.uk
Winston’s Wish offer support, information and guidance for families of bereaved children.
Helpline: 0845 20 30 40 5
Website: www.winstonswish.org.uk
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Mystic Mag : a comprehensive compilation of resources tailor-made to assist cancer survivors in their journey toward recovery and healing. A list of organisations from around the world.
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Main website: www.mysticmag.com/news/resources-for-cancer-survivors
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Dont be an Island.
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Talk through any concerns you may have with someone who understands.