The Online Community is here to support you whether you have a cancer diagnosis yourself, or you're affected by the diagnosis of someone you care about. While sharing your thoughts and feelings can help, there may be times when you want a break from cancer-focused conversations. In this blog, we've highlighted some of the Online Community spaces where members chat about hobbies, pets, TV, sport, creativity and everyday life.
“I am flagging and frankly I am feeling myself starting to sink. I just want everything to go away for a short time to give me a bit of a breathing space. Any thoughts?”
Online Community member, Carers only forum
If you ever feel like taking a break, the Online Community has a number of spaces where cancer is not the main focus of conversation. Some are open to all, others were started by members in forums just for people with a specific diagnosis. If you’d like to find out about what’s available, have a look at the examples listed below!
Our Cancer chat forum plays host to a wide range of discussions. While many members discuss cancer-related topics that don’t fit into our other cancer-related forums, there’s always room for less serious topics, too.
One step at a time is a thread where members share their positive wellbeing stories about exercise, nature, and being outdoors. Photos of outdoor animals and scenic views are also welcome.
“Yes there is something about nature and animals that have the ability to lift our spirits. In my darkest hours over the last 6 months I have appreciated just sitting in our beautiful front garden and watching them eat or fly around the bird table.”
Online Community member, Cancer chat forum
TV shows, movies, and games is a thread where members can share their favourite things to watch, play, and listen to. If it’s entertainment you’re looking for, you can find and share recommendations here.
“I have recently had a period of post op recuperation and have been catching up on iPlayer. Small Prophets is absolute genius. Shetland, I am getting through all of the seasons. There is something about those landscapes. I also like watching Ludwig, and am awaiting the new Patience series.”
Online Community member, Cancer chat forum
Little wins and positive moments is a thread for members to share anything positive that they’ve encountered, big or small. From a surprise £5 note in your winter coat, to sharing good news about treatment, it’s uplifting vibes all the way.
“My win is definitely a little win. I made it downstairs for the first time since my surgery and ironed my daughter’s uniform. Tada! Doing something so simple as ironing her uniform was a great win and made me feel a sense of achievement.”
Online Community member, Cancer chat forum
The Express yourself forum is a space for topics relating to creativity or self-expression. Members often share examples of their artwork, creative writing, or photography. It’s not just about the traditional creative arts, though. Even discussing the beauty found in sports or other activities counts as self-expression.
Autumn spotting is the latest in a series of seasonal threads where we invite members of the community to share their photos and artwork inspired by the current season.
“Getting out in the garden has really helped me. I’ve had a few years when I have not been able to do any gardening but this year has been lovely getting back out there. It really is my happy place.”
Online Community member, Cancer chat forum
Summer sports chat was a recent thread celebrating the big sporting events of summer 2026. If you play or watch sport, the ‘Express yourself’ forum can be a great place to start a discussion about your sporting love.
“I’m excited for the new premier league season to start so i can watch my club Tottenham play as i think we are going to have a good season after this so far great summer window.”
Online Community member, Express yourself forum
In the Animals are family too forum, members talk about their beloved pets. Some discussions are about the practical challenges of looking after an animal while living with a cancer diagnosis. Others are all about celebrating how grateful they are to have their pet’s company through difficult times.
Pictures of dogs, cats, and all animals is dedicated to sharing photos of all sorts of animals. Funny pictures of pets, or a simple snap of a friendly farm animal – wherever they were encountered, these animal pictures can provide a lovely mood boost.
“Animals really do brighten the day! It’s great to see everyone sharing pictures of their pets.”
Online Community member, Animals are family too forum
In our Laughter is the best medicine forum, members share jokes, funny anecdotes and pictures to give each other a chuckle. While some posts involve members seeing the lighter side of their own cancer challenges, we appreciate this won’t be for everyone. There is one discussion thread dedicated to light-hearted silliness, though…
The Daft Jokes and Puns Thread exists for members to share their silliest one-liner gags and puns. If you have some to share, make sure you post them here!
“I saw a Norwegian Navy ship the other day. It had a big bar code on the side. Whenever the ship returns home, the harbourmaster has to… scan-da-navy-in.”
Online Community member, Laughter is the best medicine forum
There are other places in the Online Community where members have set up their own discussions on casual topics.
While our Living with incurable cancer forum is only for members who have an incurable cancer diagnosis themselves, you might find some inspiration by reading their casual discussion topics on music, gardening, hobby crafts, and general daily chat.
“Hobbies help a lot. I like to read, listen to music, going for walks on the beach. I also like to bake, mostly cakes and cupcakes.”
Online Community member, Breast cancer forum
Hopefully you’ve found a good place to take a break amongst the examples we’ve shared today. If none of the above sound appealing, don’t forget you can always start a new discussion thread of your very own!
“This forum is good for offloading. That's one of the reasons I set up this thread over 4 years ago. I like to get on my soapbox, rant a bit, get back off it... until the next time!”
Online Community member, Prostate cancer forum
If you’d like to learn how to create a new discussion thread, why not check out our handy video guide via the link below:
Starting a new discussion – Online Community help guide
If you have any questions or feedback about anything mentioned in this blog, please contact the Online Community Team directly by sending an email to community@macmillan.org.uk.
How about you? What helps take your mind off cancer? Whether it's gardening, photography, music, films, pets, crafts or sport, we'd love to hear about it. Why not join one of the conversations above, or start your own discussion today?
