Community News - Macmillan Online Community

“That bus, at one point the only thing consuming my vision, was slowly drifting back into the murky grey of the distance…”- Unseeing the Bus: Greg’s story #2

A week after World Mental Health Day on the 10 th of October we’re back with the second part of Greg’s series “Unseeing the bus.” In this three-part series for the Community News blog , Greg shares his experience of mental health in the face of a cancer diagnosis. If you haven’t read part one of the series, you can catch up here . Why not take a minute to read Greg's inspiringly honest account? Unseeing the bus: #2 “Live in the moment because tomorrow you might get hit by a bus......” So I made it back to the bus stop. This time last year I was convinced that I never would. I didn’t know it then, but looking back now, I realise that I was already on my way, tentatively and with a few untimely trips, but nevertheless still making my way back. That bus, at one point the only thing…

Former Member
Lung cancer support: Catching up with the Lung cancer forum

Next month is Lung Cancer Awareness Month . In this Community News Blog, we’re catching up with our Lung cancer forum . This supportive online group is for anyone affected by lung cancer, whether you’ve been diagnosed or are supporting a loved one. It’s a place to share your thoughts, worries, and experiences with people who understand what you're going through. Read on to see what discussions have taken place in our Lung cancer forum recently. "I'm so glad I've decided to join as I've been reading all your amazing posts of support." Community member – Lung cancer forum Coping with pain and treatment side effects For many, managing the physical pain of lung cancer can be overwhelming. The Lung cancer forum is a safe space where you can share your struggles and ask questions. A member…

Dylan - Online Community Team
A period of change

This month we start to see the changes from Summer to Autumn. We know this happens every year but unexpected changes like a new symptom, side effect or waiting for test results, can bring a lot of uncertainty and make us feel uneasy. We often discuss change on the Community. How we see change depends on who we are and our current situation. It may be forced upon us or something we are expecting, but either way we have to adjust. What we see on the Community is how you respond to change matters. You may not be able to control what is happening to you, but you can control how you react. Being there to help each other can be comforting and empowering. “People have different coping strategies. I very much wanted to know as much as possible from reliable sources so I could make informed choices…

Megan- Online Community Team
'I appreciate everything I learn from you' - celebrating our wonderful Volunteer Specialists

This week marks Volunteers’ week here at Macmillan, it’s a time where we recognise and celebrate all of the amazing volunteers across the organisation. As part of this, in today’s Community news Blog, we are shining a light on our wonderful Volunteer specialists who dedicate their spare time and their expertise to answer your questions in our ‘ Ask an Expert’ sessions. To share a bit more about her experience of being a Volunteer specialist here on the Community is Lorraine, Lorraine is a Psychosexual Nurse Specialist and answers questions in the ‘ Ask about Sex (Men’s cancers)’ session. She is one of our team of 12 specialists working alongside surgeons, dentists, physiotherapists and other professionals to provide information and support to our members. Last year our volunteers answered…

Former Member
Congratulations to Kate, our volunteer radiographer...

"I feel really privileged to be in a position to provide support to people." The above quote speaks for itself as to the time and generosity Kate – our radiographer expert, has given to Macmillan’s Community the past three years. Here’s one of our Cancer Information Nurse Specialists, Kim, to tell you a little more as to why congratulations are in order for Kate: Each year the Macmillan Volunteer Awards celebrate our amazing volunteers around the UK. These awards offer the chance to say a huge thank you for the time, care, expertise and commitment our volunteers so generously give. We’re excited to announce that Kate, one of our professional volunteers on Ask an Expert , has won an award this year. Ask an Expert is available through the Macmillan Online Community and provides people the…

Former Member
Get to know the Expert: Hannah (Ask a Physio)

One of my favourite aspects of the Community is the fact our members can put any questions they have about cancer to one of our various experts through the Ask an Expert section of our site. Whatever your situation, wherever your location - you can simply log onto the Community and access support from a professional. Want to know more about Experts who volunteer to answer your questions? Well starting from today we’ll be introducing a monthly ‘Get to know the Expert’ Q&A, where our Experts will tell you a little more about themselves, what they do, and how they can support you through your experience with cancer. This month we’ve Hannah , one of our Ask an Expert Physio’s, to start things off… How long have you been an Expert on the Community, and what made you want to volunteer for…

Former Member
Feeling the need to scream and shout?

Did you know that today is known as National Scream Day? Who knew such a thing existed? It got us thinking about how helpful it can be to have a place to express how you are feeling. The Online Community is a safe space for you to talk about how you are coping with people who can understand what you are going through. "Well done for letting it out - we all need somewhere to let rip - you are in the right place - go for it... At the end of the day - there's always someone here for you - if you need that little bit of "extra help" you know where we are." Community member, 'This is pants' discussion thread, The Room Screaming is often associated with letting go of negative emotions and talking about how you feel when you are worried, stressed, sad and angry. Expressing…

Megan- Online Community Team
"...joining this group has given me a safe place to open up..." - Carers Week

It’s Carers Week ! A time to celebrate carers, but also recognise the potential impact of being a carer, and ensure they’re aware of and able to access support available to them. Caring for someone with cancer can be emotionally and physically exhausting – it’s important for carers to take time to look after themselves, and get su pport if it’s needed. To recognise the above, I thought I’d share a few highlights from our Carers only group, where there’s an astounding amount of supportive discussions and guidance been offered up: "Nobody can do this journey for us, but sharing it makes a huge difference." Just a distracting moment – Birdfeeder shares a very heartfelt, positive post, talking about how the group’s helped her, and the friends she’s made along the way. “ Nobody can do this…

Former Member
Newly diagnosed with cancer: Finding support in the Online Community

Finding out you have cancer can be overwhelming and it’s normal to experience a range of emotions. During this time, connecting with others who understand what you're going through can offer much-needed comfort and support. If you have just been diagnosed, or you’re supporting a loved one who has, the Online Community is here for you. New to the Community The shock of hearing the words “You have cancer” can leave you feeling uncertain about what to do next or how to even express what you're going through. Some members have found that just saying “hi” and acknowledging their feelings helps ease the initial isolation. "Not really sure what else to say, I'm obviously still in shock but just wanted to say hi." Community member - Womb cancer forum After receiving a cancer diagnosis, it's…

Dylan - Online Community Team
“So grateful to the champions on this forum”

It’s Volunteer's Week from June 2nd to 8th, 2025. This blog celebrates the dedication and commitment our fabulous Online Community Champions give to the Community every day. Who are our Online Community Champions? The Community Champions are a dedicated team of volunteers here on the Online Community. Our Champions are a friendly listening ear for those who need it most, helping people affected by cancer feel supported and less alone. The role is flexible and there's no expectation for Community Champions to log in every single day, although many of them do. So far this year, our Community champions have posted over 14,498 times, which helps show the amount of kindness and support they provide every day. A huge thank you to: Beesuit, chellesimo, chris2012, Daisy53, DaveyBo, GBear…

Megan- Online Community Team
“AI is a really useful tool if used correctly.”

Advances in technology means Artificial Intelligence (AI) is being tried and tested to improve the way we live our lives. Some people use online AI tools to find information. From finding opening times for shops and looking for travel information when planning a trip. When it comes to cancer care, there is lots of information AI can provide, but do you know what information can be trusted? In this blog, we explore how Community members have used Artificial intelligence, and how AI is being used in cancer care. What is AI? Artificial intelligence (AI) is technology that helps computers perform a variety of tasks in ways that used to require human intelligence. From understanding language, analysing data, and even providing information. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is both part of the problem…

Megan- Online Community Team
'Love is the greatest gift you can receive and give, it is priceless' (ellie68) - Wellbeing roundup: February

It seems like February has come around at lightning speed, and despite the dramatic weather of the last few weeks there do seem to me small hopeful signs of spring in the air. Today we have put together some amazing wellbeing tips and expressive thoughts that we have collected from the Community. So why not put the kettle on, settle down on the sofa and take a moment to look through our favourite wellbeing tips of the moment? ‘Imagine being in a room where you cannot reach the door, after each session of Chemotherapy that door gets closer, until in the. end you have opened that door and gone out of that room.' - 'My Motto throughout this journey: One step at a time, One Day at a time. Deal with whatever that day throws at you and move on.' - BrandyGirl 'Love is the greatest gift you can…

Former Member

Awake and up all night?

We know that cancer can sometimes cause sleepless nights. Join our Cancer Chat forum for some company here in the 'Awake and up all night' thread.

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