Community News - Macmillan Online Community

Part 2: Neurodivergence and Cancer - What I have learnt

This is the second part of a two part blog series exploring what it is like to be an autistic carer, advocate and daughter for someone living with cancer. You can read the first part here . We are incredibly grateful to Fran for her honest and encouraging writing and this blog helps us to understand the unique challenges faced by those affected by cancer and living with neurodivergence. Part 2 Firstly, the support offered isn't always the support you need I have learnt that being offered support doesn't necessarily mean that the support will be accessible to you. There are lots of resources available to carers. Support groups, helplines and opportunities to talk to other people going through similar experiences can all be valuable. But they aren't necessarily right for everyone. …

Emma - Online Community Team
Travel insurance after a cancer diagnosis: an expert answers your questions (video)

Questions from the Online Community If you've had a cancer diagnosis and are planning a holiday, finding the right travel insurance can be one of the most important steps before you travel. In this video, travel insurance expert Fiona answers questions about finding travel insurance after a cancer diagnosis. The questions are all based on real discussions taken from our dedicated Travel insurance forum . Watch the video: Fiona's answers Fiona works as a Cancer and Travel Insurance Expert at Lighthouse Travel Insurance . She has first-hand experience of what it's like to be impacted by a cancer diagnosis, meaning she's well placed to answer questions on the topic of cancer and travel insurance. She was kind enough to take some time to answer the most common questions in a blog post we…

Matthew - Online Community Team
Part 1: Neurodivergence and Cancer - Caring Through Uncertainty

This is the first of a two part blog series exploring what it is like to be an autistic carer, advocate and daughter for someone living with cancer. We are incredibly grateful to Fran for her honest and encouraging writing and this blog helps us to understand the unique challenges faced by those affected by cancer and living with neurodivergence. Part 1 When we talk about cancer, we often talk about the person who has received the diagnosis. We talk about their treatment, appointments, side effects, fears, and the uncertainty about what happens next. But cancer doesn't only happen to the person who receives the diagnosis. It changes the lives of the people around them too. For me, watching my dad go through cancer and serious illness has meant becoming much more than a daughter visiting…

Emma - Online Community Team
Celebrating Diwali whilst living with cancer

Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is an important celebration for many Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and Buddhists. If you are living with cancer or supporting someone with cancer, Diwali may feel different this year. Treatment, side effects and emotional wellbeing can affect how you celebrate, but there are ways to mark the occasion that feel right for you. Why Diwali may feel different when you're living with cancer Cancer can change your routine, whether that is due to having treatment, dealing with side effects, feeling low or worried or simply needing more rest. Meanwhile, Diwali often brings busy days with visitors, festive mealtimes and long celebrations. This can feel like a lot and you may also feel pressure to join in, even when your body needs something different. It is okay if Diwali does…

Lizzie - Online Community Team
Taking a break from thinking about cancer

Why it's okay to take a break from thinking about cancer 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…

Matthew - Online Community Team
Bob's chemotherapy diary: CAPOX treatment for bowel cancer

Starting chemotherapy after surgery for bowel cancer can bring a mixture of emotions, uncertainty and new challenges. Everyone's experience of treatment is different, and hearing from someone who has been through it can help others feel less alone. Bob began CAPOX chemotherapy on Thursday 16 July, nine weeks after surgery for bowel cancer. Throughout his treatment, he kept a diary documenting his experiences during the first three cycles, reflecting on managing side effects and the challenges of treatment, as well as the comfort he found in walking, writing and spending time with his wife, Julie. CAPOX combines capecitabine tablets and oxaliplatin infusions and is commonly used to treat bowel cancer. In this diary, Bob shares his personal experience of the first three cycles following surgery…

Lizzie - Online Community Team
Macmillan HOPE Programme: Support for living with and beyond cancer

It can be difficult to feel hopeful after a cancer diagnosis. The Macmillan HOPE Programme is a free six-session self-management course designed to help people living with and beyond cancer manage the emotional, psychological and practical challenges they may face. In this blog, we explain how the programme works and share messages of hope from members of our Online Community. “my mind is all over, but throughout I’ve help on to hope and positivity, kept moving and address each challenge as it arrives. So I’m sending hope and love to everyone going through this, and anyone caring for someone too - you’re all amazing.” Online Community Member “To everyone currently going through treatment, waiting for scan results, living with stage 4 or supporting someone you love — I’m sending you so…

Wayne - Online Community Team
Mental health and cancer: Tips and support for your wellbeing

Living with cancer can have a significant impact on your mental health. This Saturday 10 October is World Mental Health Day 2026 . In this blog, we're sharing experiences and advice from members of the Online Community about coping with the emotional effects of cancer, and where to find support when it's needed most. Ways to support your mental health when living with cancer Having conversations about mental health can make such a difference. Being able to put into words how you’re feeling, knowing that someone is there to listen, and hearing from others who may have experienced something similar can help us feel less alone. For people living with cancer, as well as those caring for a loved one with cancer, looking after your mental health can be particularly important. A cancer diagnosis…

Lizzie - Online Community Team
Join the Autumn spotting festival 2026

Today we are launching the 2026 Autumn spotting festival. It is a dedicated space to share seasonal joy. This discussion is a space to connect with others during the cooler and darker evenings through a shared appreciation for seasonal crafts, recipes, and hobbies. You are welcome to share: Craft and creative projects Self-care tips Any pictures of the autumn season you may have taken Hobbies you like to do during the autumn months Recipes- it is the season for comfort food, after all. Poems and creative writing Join the Autumn spotting 2026 discussion To help you get involved in the discussion, here is a snapshot of what was posted in the 2025 Autumn spotting chat. Thank you to everyone who got involved. We hope you will enjoy the seasonal posts again this year. BlueBlue…

Megan- Online Community Team
Blogging on the Online Community

Have you set up a blog and need help managing this? Have you been thinking about setting up your own blog but not sure how? We wanted to let you know there is step by step information and video tutorials to help you. In our Help Pages, the ‘ Blogs ’ section has step-by-step instructions and short video tutorials to help you set up your blog. Recently, we have added a new page to help you manage your blog. This includes easy access to revisiting your blog and how to manage your blog post drafts if you are still editing them. New help page: How to manage your blog What is a blog? A blog is used to help someone diarise their experiences. Setting up a blog is like creating a virtual book, where you can add blog posts like pages of the book. Blogging can be a helpful way to express your…

Megan- Online Community Team
Macmillan Free Community Lunch with Chef & Brewer - 4th December at 12pm

We’d love to invite you and a guest to a free Macmillan Community Lunch at selected Chef & Brewer pubs on Friday 4th December at 12pm. Enjoy a delicious lunch with the Macmillan network, including people affected by cancer, volunteers, fundraisers, supporters, professionals and staff. You’ll share a table with up to 10 people from different backgrounds – you may not know anyone when you arrive, but could leave having made great new connections! You can also bring a guest with you. How to book your place: Visit the Chef & Brewer website, find your local pub and select ‘Book a Table’. https://www.chefandbrewer.com/pubs-near-me Set the number of Adults to ‘1’ or ‘2’ if you’re bringing a guest - this is important, as the offer won’t show as available otherwise. You can book a maximum…

Wayne - Online Community Team
Male breast cancer: David's story and support

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month . This is a time to raise awareness of breast cancer, encourage people to know the signs and symptoms, and remind everyone of the importance of seeking medical advice when something doesn’t feel right. When we think about breast cancer, it is often associated with women. But breast cancer can affect men too. Male breast cancer is rare, but around 375 men are diagnosed with breast cancer in the UK each year. You may have recently seen male breast cancer brought into the spotlight on Coronation Street, where one of the show’s male characters is diagnosed with breast cancer.  Macmillan Cancer Support has partnered with ITV’s  Coronation Street  to help bring this important issue to the forefront, using the storyline as an opportunity to raise awareness…

Lizzie - Online Community Team