Each year we are humbled by the kindness and compassion our members show each other every day on the Community. We would like to take a moment to celebrate the power of peer support in 2024.
Over 21,900 new members joined us this year looking for company and connection. Around 179,000 posts, blogs, and replies were made, alongside 125,739 virtual hugs and hearts were sent. It is amazing to see so many of you supporting each other through a cancer diagnosis, treatment, and side effects alongside the emotional effects of cancer.
Connecting with people who are in the same situation as you can be a vital part of your support system when living with cancer or supporting someone who is. It can help you feel less alone when talking to someone who knows how you are feeling.
"I’ve taken positivity from many of the stories that I’ve read on here at 2am. From the people who have terrible diagnosis but see that there is hope and to the person who posts about their beautiful mum who has passed but lived from how I read it well for 15 years with a diagnosis that I’m certain would have been a struggle. Thank you."
Community member, Bowel (colon and rectal) cancer forum
"This forum and it's incredibly kind people have been an invaluable support, particularly for my mental health, as there's no one who understands more than those who have been or are going through this. Especially kind of those who stay after treatment has finished, just to help us starting out struggling with all this. It's been a Godsend when I can't talk to those close to me for fear of distressing them. Thank you."
Community member, Online Community
"I couldn't have made it this far in my recovery without the support and guidance of this forum. Everyone has been so helpful to me in my journey through treatment and recovery."
Community member, Head and neck cancer forum
"This forum has been my sanctuary…. No question, no judgment, no explanation.. love and support"
Community member, Anal cancer forum
"It’s so helpful being part of this group/community. I’ve felt so alone and lost but this has helped so much."
Community member, New to the Community forum
"Joining this forum has been really good for me to know that I’m not alone, and to hear so many positive stories. I know it won’t change my situation and we won’t have a cure, but to have the hope of more time together than I initially thought is enough for me for now. Please keep messaging for support and know that there are others out there to talk to."
Community member, New to the Community forum
You may have come into contact with some of our amazing Online Community Champions who spend their time supporting members of the Community. They are passionate people who know firsthand how important peer support is as they all used the Community during their own personal cancer experiences.
"A big thank you to our Community Champions, who are never far away and respond quickly to new posts directing many to the information needed at a touch."
Community member, Womb (uterus) cancer forum
We would like to say a huge thank you to all our Community Champion volunteers, your dedication and support is greatly appreciated. 
Join in the dedicated discussion thread 'Looking ahead for the New Year' in the Cancer chat forum where you can share what you are looking forward to in 2025, something you are grateful for this year, or a positive message of hope to send to others.
Throughout 2024 the Online Community team posted 77 blogs. We often post support information, site updates, and personal cancer stories. Why not read a few of our blogs below of visit our Community news blog section for more.
If you want to get involved and share your story in our Community news blog, please email community@macmillan.org.uk and we will be happy to help.
The Online Community team would like to wish everyone all the best for 2025. We are committed to keeping the Online Community a safe and supportive space for people affected by cancer to get support. If you need any help using the site, please email community@macmillan.org.uk or send a private message to the Moderator account.
