Community News - Macmillan Online Community

Avoiding cancer misinformation and finding trusted support online

There are lots of websites where you can find reliable health information and trusted support. You might also come across information online that is misleading or incorrect. Every day, thousands of people can find out-of-date, misleading and unproven information about cancer online, often without realising. This can happen on search engines like 'Dr Google', social media and AI chat tools. Sometimes people share information because they are trying to help, but it may not be accurate or based on evidence. In this blog we will be sharing members experiences with the aim of helping you find trusted information online. Searching online for cancer information “I know I shouldn't google but I have done and now I'm really scared.“ - Community member When you are waiting to speak to healthcare…

Steph - Online Community Team
Toxic positivity and cancer: why listening matters

Positivity can be helpful when dealing with cancer. Hope, encouragement, and support can make a real difference during difficult times. But when positivity dismisses or overlooks someone's genuine feelings, it can become unhelpful. This is often what people mean when they talk about toxic positivity. Three years ago, we published our first blog on toxic positivity. The topic sparked a lot of discussion as many members related to the concept. In this blog, we share members' experiences of toxic positivity and helpful resources for talking about cancer. What Community members have shared Positive comments often come from a place of care, but they can sometimes make it harder for people to express how they are really feeling. “When somebody tells me to stay positive and that I’ll beat…

Dylan - Online Community Team
Feeling the heat? Here are some tips to help you stay cool

This week, parts of the UK will reach record-breaking temperatures. It's nice to be able to enjoy the summer weather, but wherever you are and whatever your plans are, we hope you manage to stay cool and be safe in the sunshine. This blog can be used as a useful resource if you're looking for some guidance on keeping cool in the heat. If you have any tips that you'd like to share, there's a comment box at the bottom of the page. Click here to add your comment. The heat may affect you in different ways when you’re living with cancer. You may find that the side effects of treatment are making it difficult for you to stay hydrated and regulate your body temperature. On the Community, there are people who understand what you’re going through, so we’re sharing some tips to help you stay cool…

Megan- Online Community Team
Share your summer

There are lots of conversations about cancer in the forums, but sometimes you may feel the need for some light relief from talking about appointments, treatment and the emotional effects of cancer. Signs of summer are around us at the moment, and we have created a space for you to share your summer activities and plans. We have set up the Share your summer discussion thread in the Express Yourself forum. This discussion thread is similar to the ‘Bring your Spring’ space, but with a summer twist. We'd love to see what summer looks like for you. Whether it's colourful flowers in bloom, a favourite walk, a day out, your garden, pets enjoying the sunshine, artwork, crafts, photography, or simply something that captures the feeling of the season, we'd love for you to share it with the Community…

Megan- Online Community Team
Wellbeing Wednesday - Men's Health Week 2026 and opening up conversations about cancer

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. Men living with cancer and sharing support on Macmillan's Online Community "I’ve spent the last 5 days a nervous wreck convincing…

Steph - Online Community Team
Improvements to the Online Community search function

Finding the right support The Online Community is packed full of useful information and relatable experiences. Over the years, tens of thousands of members have shared their thoughts, worries, and words of comfort with each other. With such a large amount of support content available, finding the discussions most relevant to you requires the use of a powerful search function. Starting a new search On every page of the Online Community, in the top-left corner you will see the ‘Search’ button depicted by a magnifying glass icon. Tap on the search button to enter search mode. Tap inside the search box and type in a term you’d like to search the Online Community for. Tap the magnifying glass button to begin the search. Filtering results After tapping Search, you will find yourself…

Matthew - Online Community Team
Are you LGBTQIA+ and living with cancer?

Have you ever felt like parts of your identity or experience were not fully understood during your cancer journey? While everyone’s experience is different, Macmillan recognises that LGBTQIA+ people can face additional barriers across the cancer pathway. Alongside treatment, appointments and recovery, many people also navigate questions about identity, and how to communicate needs to others. Some challenges LGBTQIA+ people face: Worrying if healthcare professionals will understand and respect your relationships or family structure. Having to repeatedly explain pronouns, names, identities or family structures during treatment. Feeling uncomfortable correcting assumptions about gender identity or sexual orientation during appointments. Worrying if partners, chosen family…

Emma - Online Community Team
Carers Week - Are you supporting someone living with cancer?

This week is Carers Week. It is a time to recognise the important role carers play in supporting loved ones through cancer and to highlight the support available to them. We know that caring for someone with cancer can be both rewarding and difficult. It can bring many feelings and challenges, and it is not always easy to know where to find help and support. At Macmillan, we want to help people understand the experiences and challenges carers can face. In this blog, we share some of the support and information available in the Online Community, where carers, family members and friends can connect with others, share experiences, and find support from people who understand. So, what challenges do carers face? Many carers find themselves juggling multiple responsibilities, including work…

Lizzie - Online Community Team
Our Community Champions - "the 'glue' that binds us all together!"

Volunteers Week takes place from 1st to 7th June 2026. This blog celebrates the dedication, commitment, and valued contributions that our wonderful Online Community Champions make to the Community each and every day. Who are our Online Community Champions? Over the past year, our Community Champions have contributed more than 13,242 posts, reflecting the ongoing kindness, encouragement, and support they provide to other members every day. A huge thank you to: chris2012 , rily , src60 , Thehighlander , latchbrook , lesleyhelen , Nikki65 , Beesuit , chellesimo , Irishgirl16 , WeeMe , Daisy53 , SarahH21 , Kasvin , jane2511 , Millibob , excavator , Coddfish , Jamie696 Words of appreciation from Community members “Thank you to all the Community Champions! They are the 'glue' that binds…

Wayne - Online Community Team
Celebrating Eid while living with cancer

Eid is a special time for many people. It can be full of family, good food, prayer, and celebration. But if you are living with cancer, Eid might feel different this year. You may feel more tired. You might not feel well enough to join in as much as you would like. Or you may feel sad that things are not the same. If this sounds like you, you are not alone. The Macmillan Online Community is here to support you. Why Eid can feel different 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, Eid 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…

Emma - Online Community Team
Have you experienced cancer ghosting?

Some Community members have been discussing the term ‘Cancer Ghosting’ in the Online Community forums. It is a social term that those living with cancer use to describe family and friends not being there to support them once they have told them about their cancer. “Have any of you experienced cancer Ghosting? It’s where friends and relatives suddenly disappear when you announce that you have cancer. It’s a recognised syndrome apparently- Google it. I am afraid I have experienced it. It can have a big impact.” Community member, Cancer ghosting discussion, Bladder cancer forum “Since my diagnosis last year my friends have all disappeared. Messages have stopped, and I'm left with my husband and dog. My husband is my rock, but I miss the distraction my friends provided. It makes the journey…

Megan- Online Community Team
“When I am up at 'silly o'clock' I will try to remember this thread”

This week, the Awake and up all night discussion in the cancer chat forum reached a one-year milestone. For a whole year, people have found support from posting in the discussion thread and reading the ongoing conversations. Sleep problems may be caused by how you’re feeling emotionally, or as part of the side effects of cancer treatment. If you find it hard to get a good sleep, you’re not alone. The Online Community is here to support you 24/7. The Awake and up all night discussion thread was created with the aim of being a dedicated space for people to access peer support when experiencing sleep issues. “What a great idea for a thread. I often had trouble falling asleep, especially when I had been diagnosed but was waiting results, my brain was in worry overdrive.” Community member, Awake…

Megan- Online Community Team