July 19th saw the removal of most legal pandemic restrictions in the UK. Whilst some called it ‘freedom day’, a sense of relief was not the emotion felt by many of the UK’s most vulnerable groups. For people affected by cancer, or others who are considered 'higher risk', the easing of restrictions has brought increasing anxiety and concern.
"I just feel more vulnerable than I have for a while and is it that with a lung condition we are that much more vulnerable? So many questions"
nel107 - Lung cancer forum
Seeing some people discard their face masks, or some shops and venues reduce the protection measures that were in place, can be a difficult thing to witness for our most vulnerable.
"But once again, the vulnerable are left feeling even more so."
flowerlady - Living with incurable cancer forum (patients only)
Finding a balance between protecting individual freedoms and prioritising the safety of those with more vulnerable immune systems is a challenge that we are sure to continue to face for the coming years.
Do the legal changes mean the end for social distancing? Will mask wearing become a thing of the past?
Social media can be a difficult environment to read about public health. We hope the Community is a little different.
Here on Macmillan’s Online Community you can talk to others who understand the anxiety and fear you may be facing around the coronavirus and your healthcare. Online peer support allows cancer patients to stay in touch and support each other, no matter what their personal situation.
"Arrr lovely to hear from you knowing it’s not just me having these feelings.
It is difficult to go out even when we have been double vaccinated. The first time I went out I had a panic attack I found the mask really difficult."
Cosmoscat - Ovarian cancer forum
Whilst there is no one ‘right’ way to feel about lockdowns and restrictions for everyone affected by cancer, the Online Community allows people to get together and share their emotions. On the Online Community you can talk to others who understand.
Practical advice to keep safe
If you are wondering how you can protect yourself after the easing of restrictions, we at Macmillan have put together a page with practical advice on how to keep safe. We can appreciate that many people may be feeling worried just now, hopefully having a plan in place can help you to feel a little more confident.
What can you do to keep safe?
No matter where you live in the UK and what your local guidelines are, there are some things Macmillan’s cancer specialists are suggesting that can help keep you safe. These can all be found on our practical advice page.
If anyone has symptoms of covid they should book an NHS test straight away. You can read more about arranging a test in:
You can find out the covid rates in different areas by- using this BBC postcode checker. This may help you make decisions about keeping safe and help you know when you feel comfortable making changes.
Our main page also offers further information such as advice for time spent in hospital, on coping with uncertainty and what other support there is available.
We hope that this blog and the resources provided can help you to feel calmer about the challenges ahead. We know that the concerns and anxiety caused by the coronavirus pandemic are not finished for people affected by cancer. The Online Community is here for you to share your feelings and find others who understand them.
Want to read move about cancer and coronavirus? See our other recent blogs below.
Mary's experience of living with cancer and coronavirus
Cancer and Shielding
The coronavirus vaccine and cancer: Finding the right information
