This Wellbeing Wednesday blog focuses on Men’s Health Week in 2026 which runs from 15-21 June. At Macmillan, we’re using the opportunity to help raise awareness of the importance of men talking about their health and finding the right cancer support.
We know that men are less likely than women to seek support for their cancer experience.
We also know how isolating cancer can be. And that whoever you are, there are benefits of talking to someone who understands what you are going through. We want to make cancer support better for everyone.
Whether you are a man with a cancer diagnosis, or a man supporting a loved one with cancer, the Community is here for you.
"I’ve spent the last 5 days a nervous wreck convincing myself the worst...I have no partner to fall back on, I have family that are supportive obviously but I feel alone a lot at the minute. I don’t know how to mentally cope with all this, being a dad and just getting on with life and I know the journey is only just beginning. Thanks for listening either way, any support at all would be great, I feel I’ve no one to talk too atm."
When a young single father came to the Community feeling really worried about further tests for cancer, the Community listened and supported.
"So sorry to find you here - but the advice and support you will get is fantastic."
"In your last sentence you say you haven't got anyone to talk to right now. Consider talking to the Samaritans on 116 123. You don't have to be suicidal, you just have to have a need to talk, and you do. They are wonderful at listening. There is a way through this. You will find it."
"The really tough bit is the wait for the results, see if you can get a timeline on that? One step at a time, just get through today. "
In addition to finding support from the Community Macmillan's information pages about cancer tests and waiting for results might be helpful to have a read through.
Lots of people find distraction and mindfulness can be a big help when coping with any distressing situation, like waiting for cancer test results. Here are some recommendations from men to men on the Community.
"waiting for results to come back can be a tough time like the others have said. Best thing to do and I know it's hard to hear is carry on as normal, work, home life, hobbies. Keep doing what you have always been doing it will help to keep your mind straight."
"Just to add in I have found the Headspace app (paid for) a useful tool to assist me particularly in the early stages of diagnosis when your head is in a complete whirl. The Coping with Cancer course was really good for me - and as an old dog I found the new tricks really helpful!"
"There is something that you can do, which sounds a little odd, but works for me. Think very hard about the ordinary. Look at everything around you and let the actual wonder of how and why it is there fill you up."
"Try to stay optimistic - I know exactly how difficult it can be when you have no support and everything feels like it rests on you. In reality, once you know what is going on, you will feel much better, even if it is cancer. Once you have a treatment plan it is much easier to cope with psychologically. The worst part is the waiting/not knowing. Be kind to yourself." - Community members, Prostate cancer forum
What has helped you when your mental health has been impacted by cancer? You can share your experience in the forums or ask for advice from other members.
Help with how you're feeling from Macmillan offers further professional support options.
"Really struggling with the fear of what might happen in the future and losing my beautiful wife."
This member came to the Community feeling fearful and was supported by our Community Champion Steve. Steve, known as src60 on the site has been a carer for his wife and often helps others by sharing what has helped him.
"I ended up doing a living with less stress course that really helped me. It helped me realise the benefits of putting effort into enjoying each day rather than worrying about a future I could not control though in general could imagine worse that actually happened. The conscious breathing exercises were good too not only when life decides to throw us another curveball but also helping me relax and get some sleep."
Later on in his journey, the member felt able to share his own support for others in the Community.
“Just want to reach out and give support to everyone who is struggling. I'm a carer and it's been very up and down in terms of emotions. All the things that any of you are feeling is justified. Pain, sadness, fear, loneliness, anger. Let yourself feel these things and don't beat yourself up about it. I have a cry every now and then.” - Community members - Emotional support forum
Some members might be supporting a man who is living with cancer. This could be your partner, spouse, friend, brother, dad, grandad or other loved ones in your life.
"my husband was diagnosed with squamous non small cell cancer in the top of his right lung...How do I know when he needs comfort and when he needs to be alone."
It might be helpful to examine your own feelings first of all, as Steve suggests here.
"In the early days after my wife's diagnosis it took me a while to work out how I felt. Something that helped me as we went on was looking at your feelings when someone has cancer as being able to recognize the emotions and accept them as normal and valid helped me get less overwhelmed. In some ways the cancer has helped us become closer as we have become more open about our feelings, can't say we always get it right but there are more good days than anything else."
Some members have discussed supporting estranged partners or low-contact relatives, which can be complicated.
"Getting anything done for my dad is a real struggle at the minute because every time we mention anything to him he's fighting against us. He's telling us we better not do anything behind is back. He really needs the help now but is expecting my brother to do it all and it's taking it's toll on my brother who is also of ill health."
"Think you need some professional advice on ways to move forward and help both your dad and brother." - Family and friends forum
There are further resources from Macmillan available in 'Emotional support for family and friends' , including sections on supporting others with cancer, whoever they may to you.
Some people might need to support male loved ones when they become a carer, or are coping with a family member's diagnosis. This member approached the Community's Ask an Expert sessions.
"My MIL has recently been diagnosed and is unable to be treated or have surgery to remove. I was just looking for some advice on how I can support my husband through this"
Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Advisers replied to offer some advice, which could be relevant to most cancer experiences.
"How does your husband seem just now? Is he talking about what’s happening and how he’s feeling? Talking can help process something like this. Saying things out loud will often help you understand what you are feeling and why. Also having someone listen to him without judgement may reassure your husband that what he is feeling is normal. Some people find it helpful to talk to someone they don’t know about how they’re feeling. Please let your husband know that we’re here if he might find this helpful.
Our publication Cancer and relationships has information about coping with your feelings when someone you care about has cancer. It is for anyone who is close to someone with cancer, including partners, family members and friends. It also has information about getting support and dealing with relationship changes." - Ask an Expert forum
Throughout this blog we have used the terms 'man' and 'men', which includes transgender (trans) men. We also understand that non-binary people and transgender women may experience some of the challenges we have discussed in this blog. If you are LGBTQIA+, you can find dedicated information and support from Macmillan below.
