Community News - Macmillan Online Community

Cancer treatment - Living with a PICC line

Do you have questions about living with a PICC line ? The Online Community is a great place to hear from others about their experiences. You can also ask clinical questions to our Cancer Information Nurse Specialists . In this blog, we’re highlighting conversations from the Online Community about PICC lines, and how you can take part. Getting a PICC line fitted For many members, the idea of having a PICC line fitted can feel worrying at first. In the Breast cancer forum , some members shared that the procedure itself was much easier than they expected. “the insertion of the PICC was absolutely painless, in fact I did not even know the procedure had been done.” “I was terrified of having it inserted but it didn't hurt me either.” Another member described how the process felt straightforward…

Dylan - Online Community Team
March’s wellbeing Wednesday- Mindfulness, Music and Meditation

Waiting for test results and having treatment can cause issues with managing emotions and struggling to sleep. This blog includes some mind-body therapy information, alongside some wellbeing tips. These may be useful if you are having trouble sleeping or want to try some new coping strategies. Have you heard of mind-body therapies? Mind-body therapies are based on the belief that what we think and feel can affect how our bodies function. They have no effect on the cancer but may be used to help you feel less anxious, improve your mood and help you sleep. They may also help with symptoms such as pain or help you cope with side effects caused by cancer treatment. The mind-body therapies used by people with cancer in the UK include: relaxation techniques meditation mindfulness …

Megan- Online Community Team
Bring your spring- Spring picture festival 2026

Today is the official start of spring, known as the spring equinox. It’s lovely to see colourful flowers bloom, sunshine, and wildlife after what feels like a very long winter. Across the site, we know many of our members love sharing their artwork, crafts, gardening, and pictures of beautiful walks. We want to celebrate your creativity and bring Spring to the Online Community. We're hosting our Spring Picture Festival- Bring your spring . To join in with the Spring Picture Festival, all you need to do is upload a picture in the "Spring Picture Festival" discussion thread. We’ve set up a discussion thread in the “Express Yourself” forum . We're hoping to gather a collection of your pictures and experiences in one discussion thread for everyone to look through and enjoy. We'll then be…

Megan- Online Community Team
Neurodiversity Celebration Week: Living with cancer as a neurodivergent person

This week is Neurodiversity Celebration Week, so we wanted to take a moment to talk about the experience of living with cancer as a neurodivergent person. We've done a bit of research and looked at different experiences people have of living with cancer and being neurodivergent. Below are some of the challenges that can come up, along with a few tips we’ve come across that some people have found helpful. Everyone’s experience will be different, so if you are neurodivergent and living with cancer, we would love to hear from you. Reply to this blog to share your experiences, which may help others who are going through the same challenges. Receiving and processing a diagnosis Being told you have cancer can feel overwhelming for anyone. Neurodivergent people may process this news in different…

Moderator - Macmillan Community
Celebrating National Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialist Day: Here for You When It Matters Most

National Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Day is on the 16 th March. The occasion shines a spotlight on the dedication, expertise and care that cancer nurses bring to supporting patients across the UK each and every day. From the moment of diagnosis and throughout treatment and recovery, Clinical Nurse Specialists are there to provide information, support and a familiar, trusted point of contact. Their knowledge, compassion and dedication help people feel less alone as they navigate life with cancer. They provide expert care, help coordinate personalised treatment and support, while also recognising the challenges that can come with a cancer diagnosis. “My nurse was amazing with rearranging appointments and keeping me up to date. I never got lost in the system. Having one point of…

Wayne - Online Community Team
Living with cancer and lymphoedema

We recently published the Life after cancer: dealing with health conditions after cancer blog. Sharing experiences from our forums and guidance for adjusting to a ‘new normal’ after cancer. But what if you are living with cancer alongside health conditions such as lymphoedema? This blog features lived experiences and support information to help you manage your lymphoedema. Living with cancer alongside other health conditions can be difficult when you are already dealing with the emotional effects of cancer. Speaking to your healthcare team for advice and talking to others with similar experiences can help you find coping strategies that work for you. Lymphoedema is a condition that many people live with after cancer treatment. It can develop months or even years after cancer treatment, and…

Megan- Online Community Team
"If you look good, it helps you to feel good" - Community member Rhapsody's tips for hair, skin, nails and beauty during cancer treatment

Community member Rhapsody (pictured above) is here today to share her tips on hair, skin care and looking good during cancer treatment. After going through treatment for breast cancer, Rhapsody thought that the Community might benefit from learning about some of the things she feels have helped her. She says “if you look good, it helps you to feel good” and thinks that having the right support in place is important to feelings of well-being whilst undergoing cancer treatments. Rhapsody adds that this is a personal account and not intended as recommendations for any particular products or services, rather a list of what has helped her . Hair loss "When my hair started falling out two weeks into chemotherapy treatment, my scalp felt like my hair was being tugged all over. It was actually…

Steph - Online Community Team
“Take a deep breath and remain anchored in hope.”- February wellbeing roundup

Wellbeing Wednesday is a new monthly blog series featuring tips and ideas to help support you. Each month we will share some of the wellbeing tips shared in the forums, Ask an Expert section, alongside support information. Winter wellness In the winter, the darker mornings and evenings can impact our wellbeing. Time changes can disrupt our routines, sleep patterns and mood. Did you know in two weeks’ time, the sun will set after 6.30 pm, so our days will feel brighter. “Our lives are totally changed by something we have never expected or wanted. Lives turned upside down for family and ourselves. Being winter makes it harder. Long nights, cold days, but summer and warm weather is on its way where its sunrays will help us to feel better.” Community member, Head and neck cancer forum One…

Megan- Online Community Team
Getting support when living alone with cancer

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. Emotional effects of living alone with cancer Members spoke about the emotional challenges faced…

Wayne - Online Community Team
How do you balance Ramadān and living with cancer?

For many people, Ramadān is a time of reflection, faith, and connection. When you’re living with cancer, this month can also bring questions, adjustments, and mixed emotions. You may be wondering how fasting fits alongside treatment, recovery, fatigue, or medication - or how to stay connected to Ramadān if fasting isn’t possible this year. This blog brings together practical guidance and shared understanding, shaped around the experiences of people in the Macmillan Online Community. What is Ramadān and why is it relevant to my cancer experience? Ramadān is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is observed by Muslims worldwide through fasting, prayer, and reflection. Fasting from dawn to sunset is an important part of the month for many, but Ramadān is also about intention, compassion…

Emma - Online Community Team
Random act of kindness

Today is Random act of kindness day ! But what is a random act of kindness? It is an unexpected act of helpfulness often by a stranger to spread joy and happiness into the world without any personal gain. Has anyone ever offered you a random act of kindness or have you shown kindness to someone recently? Tell us about this in the comment box below, we love hearing your stories. Doing something nice for someone doesn't cost a lot of time or money. It's the small meaningful things in life that can make a big difference. Here are a few other suggestions for random acts of kindness: Call a friend that you haven’t spoken to for a while Send flowers to a friend Offer to pick up some groceries for someone Send someone a message that will make them smile Offer to babysit for a friend…

Megan- Online Community Team
Discover the Travel Insurance forum

Going anywhere nice? Planning a holiday can be an exciting task. It can also be very complicated. After picking a destination, you need to decide on travel arrangements. Then there’s the matter of booking the perfect accommodation. Prices. Dates. There’s lots to consider. As with any holiday, it is also essential to purchase some insurance in case something goes wrong. Many travel and holiday websites make this step surprisingly easy, offering some appropriate cover during the booking process. Unfortunately, when you need to buy a policy that will cover someone living with a cancer diagnosis, things can get complicated. Many mainstream insurers have a long list of exclusions that mean your specific circumstances won’t be covered. Even if they will provide cover, the cost of the necessary…

Matthew - Online Community Team