First time dealing with cancer?

2 minute read time.

Maybe you’ve just had the diagnosis from your doctor, and feel you don’t know where to start. Or perhaps a friend or relative has just told you the news, and you want to know how you can help. Perhaps you’re looking for answers but aren’t yet 100% sure of the questions you should be asking. In all of these cases, we’re here for you.

Our booklet The cancer guide offers comprehensive advice for anyone who ends up dealing with cancer. You can order a free copy or view it online now.

An image of the cancer guide front cover

In this booklet, you can find information on what cancer is and how it’s treated, how to talk to your healthcare team, and what you’re likely to feel like both during and after treatment. As well as this, there’s information on how to take care of someone living with cancer, and how to make sure you’re getting all the financial help you’re entitled to.

The guide’s broken down into sections, so you don’t have to plough through the whole thing in one go to find what you’re looking for. We’ve included a list of the best questions you can ask about your treatment, during your treatment, and if you’re a young person or the parent of a young person with cancer. There’s a space at the back of the booklet so you can write down the answers you receive or any more questions that come up.

If you want more information, whatever the topic, we have further leaflets and booklets available to order. If you want someone to talk to who’s in a similar situation, Macmillan’s online community is there for you to share your experiences, discuss any concerns you may have, or just listen to others. And if you want more advice, Macmillan also has cancer support specialists available – just call 0808 808 00 00.

‘I called Macmillan just before I was due for the six-monthly consultation with my oncologist to talk about treatment options. The person I spoke to was so helpful and knowledgeable. I came off the phone confident that I had completely trustworthy information and it meant that at the consultation I was able to have a discussion informed with the facts.’

We’re here for everyone affected by cancer – and we hope The cancer guide can make understanding things and finding your way through this experience a little easier.

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