Community News - Macmillan Online Community

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
World Cancer Day 2026

World cancer day image: Alt text- Green and white graphic reading “World Cancer Day” with an illustrated green globe forming the letter “O” in “World.” Below, the date “4th February” is displayed, representing global awareness and solidarity for cancer care. On World Cancer Day, Macmillan stands in solidarity with the millions of people affected by cancer and welcomes the Government’s new National Cancer Plan for England. By raising awareness and calling for better care across the UK, we’re supporting a future where everyone gets the help they need, when they need it most. No one should have to face cancer feeling lost or alone. At least every 75 seconds, someone’s life changes with a cancer diagnosis in the UK. That is almost 1,200 people across the UK on average are diagnosed with cancer…

Megan- Online Community Team
Life after treatment: Dealing with health conditions after cancer

Being cancer free does not always mean going back to how life was before. For many people, it means learning to live with long-term health conditions. The Online Community is here for anyone affected by cancer to find support from people who understand. Whether you have just been diagnosed, are going through treatment, or are adapting to life after cancer. Last year, we invited members of the Online Community to share what challenges they have experienced after treatment . This blog brings together some of what was shared. Long-term physical effects from cancer treatment Many members spoke about side effects that continued long after treatment ended, often affecting daily routines, mobility, and confidence. One member described chemotherapy-related nerve damage. “I developed peripheral…

Dylan - Online Community Team
What Community members wished they had known before surgery

In the latest of our new series of blogs sharing hints and tips from members, we asked members of the Online Community, "What do you wish you had known before you had surgery?" Members shared personal experiences alongside the questions they asked, practical tips and some reassuring messages. This blog features conversations about a range of different surgeries that may be relevant to you. There is also some general advice to help you prepare for surgery and appointments. Click on the blog headings to help you navigate the different sections in the blog. Table of Contents Being prepared and recovery Hysterectomy TURP surgery Tracheostomy, Laryngectomy and bypass tube Thyroid surgery Cystoscopy Laparoscopic anterior resection Breast cancer surgery Skin cancer surgery…

Megan- Online Community Team