Having a cancer diagnosis can affect every aspect of someone’s life. Living alone with cancer leaves many people with added obstacles to getting the support they need. Whether this is physical support and care, to help with daily tasks, or emotional support and guidance through the most challenging of times.
The Online Community is here for anyone affected by cancer to find support from people who understand.
Recently, we asked members of the Community about their experiences of living alone with cancer, the challenges they face and how they have coped or adapted to these challenges. This blog brings together what they have shared with some added information that we hope you find useful.
Members spoke about the emotional challenges faced right through from diagnosis, treatment, to recovery.
“I've recently been diagnosed with a third cancer this time in the lymphatic system. It's inoperable because it's come back in multiple sites. It is inoperable. I start 6 months of chemo tomorrow. I've also been suffering from depression for 3 months. I have been dealing with all this alone and feeling very isolated.”
Community member, Living alone with cancer discussion
“Hi I had breast cancer then diagnosed with metastic bone cancer, this was then followed by finding I have lung cancer. Living alone and dealing with this has been hard… I do have an excellent macmillan nurse and GP but still feel very isolated.”
Community member, Living alone with cancer discussion
This member describes how certain triggers can have an effect.
“I have been alone all the time from diagnosis right through to treatment. I have found it extremely hard as I found I was triggered by even cancer adverts after diagnosis which took me a long time to accept and deal with.”
Community member, Living alone with cancer discussion
Living alone with cancer can feel isolating, and while family and friends are important, sometimes it helps to talk to someone who truly understands. You can discuss your feelings with people in similar circumstances in our emotional support forum.
Another member shared how motivation can also be a factor.
“I was on my own during recovery from major surgery. It was hard and made worse by lockdown during the pandemic..To stay motivated I would write a list of three things to achieve that day. A small household task for example. It can be hard to keep motivated on your own.”
Community member, Living alone with cancer discussion
You can access peer support in a different way by signing up for Telephone buddying. Macmillan Telephone Buddies is a free service that connects you with a trained volunteer for regular phone or video calls.
With a Buddy, you can:
Have 8–12 weekly calls with the same person
It’s a confidential, supportive space — and you can request a Buddy for yourself or for someone else. You can find out some more details about the Buddies service on this dedicated blog.
Members of the community have highlighted how difficult it can be explaining a cancer diagnosis when meeting new people.
“I didn't want to talk to anyone about how I felt and meeting new people made me cry when I explained my rare cancer diagnosis.”
Community member, Living alone with cancer discussion
Macmillan has a programme called ‘Help overcoming problems effectively’. The HOPE programme is a free, six-week online course designed to help you build confidence and find ways to cope with the challenges of living with cancer. It’s been created alongside people affected by cancer and includes tools from mindfulness, positive psychology and cognitive behavioural therapy.
You can work through it in your own time, around two hours a week, using your phone, tablet or computer — at a pace that suits you. It’s a supportive way to build confidence, resilience and wellbeing while navigating cancer on your own.
Members explained how their hobbies and learning new skills helped when they were struggling.
Being creative helped this member feel less alone until they were ready.
“This is when I found creative projects very therapeutic. Learning new skills from the comfort of my own home made me feel less alone until I was ready to tell people without getting upset x"
Community member, Living alone with cancer discussion
These members explain how activities helped with their mental health.
“Having interests helped to pass the time.I read,drew,painted,and did genealogy.Being a keen gardener I was not well enough to do anything other than sit outside but that really helped.To be with the birds and other wildlife cheered me up when I felt low.”
Community member, Living alone with cancer discussion
“I am an artist, so that's my "chill" and "happy" place.. so this is what I did.. I posted on social media, asking for help... (that also made it easier to make my diagnosis public in a "kind" way)... I asked my friends and followers if they would like a piece of art from me, which would help me keep focused on something positive, asking only that they covered the cost of materials and shipping> the response has been overwhelming”
Community member, Living alone with cancer discussion
“I have inoperable lung cancer and I found love of crochet I started making blankets for my daughters nursing home where she works”
Community member, Living alone with cancer discussion
The Online Community has a specific forum where members can express themselves. This is a space for self-expression and creativity — a place to share anything that helps you step away from cancer for a while. Post your artwork, songs, poems, photos, or memories from adventures you’ve been on. There’s no right or wrong here — just bring yourself and share whatever feels meaningful to you.
You may find that you prefer face-to-face support, and we want you to know that we have a range of local support services that you can access. You can find local support near you using our cancer care map. Just enter your postcode and see what’s available in your area. You can filter results by type of support, such as emotional support, groups or classes. You may find both Macmillan services and other local organisations. If nothing appears, try widening your search area — help may be closer than you think.
Practical obstacles can also be an issue for people. The financial costs of living alone with cancer can be greater. You can find more details on how to get support with health costs on our website.
This member describes the difficulties of having to travel long distances for treatment. Please know that you may be entitled to discounted travel or parking.
“I am being sent for the next part of my treatment to my closest city, 40 miles away, although one of my sons lives in that city, it's still a bit of a logistical nightmare.. to add to the complications I have two dogs to think about too... and until I have a clear idea of the treatment regimen, it's a bit difficult planning around it all!”
Community member, Living alone with cancer discussion
Our Macmillan Support Services are here for you. Our nurses and support advisers are available every day from 8am to 8pm. You can call 0808 808 00 00, email, or use live webchat. Whether you have a question or just need someone to listen, we’re here for you.
You can also use our ask an expert forum to get trusted information and support from experienced professionals. Our Cancer Information Nurse Specialists can answer questions about treatment, side effects and what to expect. You can also speak with our Information and Support Advisers, who are here to help with the emotional, practical and financial impact of cancer — especially helpful when you’re dealing with things on your own.
The living alone with cancer discussion will remain open as a source of support in the cancer chat forum. In this forum, you can have discussions about anything and everything. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, feel free to start a discussion of your own.
