Community News - Macmillan Online Community

“It’s their job to fight the cancer. Your job is to look after your body and soul and stay sane”: Insights from a Macmillan Online Community Champion

November is Mouth Cancer Awareness Month. A time to raise awareness and support for those affected by mouth cancers. We wanted to take the chance to highlight our Head and Neck Cancer Forum , where members can connect, share experiences, and find support from others who understand what they’re going through. In this blog, we’re sharing insights from MikeO . He joined the Community shortly after his diagnosis and now plays an important role as one of our Community Champions, helping our team keep the Head and Neck Cancer forum safe and supportive. When I got my first cancer diagnosis, in 2013, I found out fairly quickly that I was nothing special. Surgery (neck dissection), and radiotherapy (seven weeks) with a dash of chemo thrown in was a well-worn path. I was scared, and my family were…

Dylan - Online Community Team
Winter Picture Festival 2024

You may remember our Winter Picture Festival , where many of you have shared what winter looks like for you. Across the site, we know many of our members love sharing pictures from their walks, crafts, pets and paintings. The Winter Picture Festival is a celebration of your creativity, and an opportunity to bring joy to yourself and other members here on the Online Community. This year, we’ve decided to host another Winter Picture Festival! To join in with the Winter Picture Festival, all you need to do is upload a picture in the "Winter Picture Festival" discussion thread . We’ve set up a discussion thread in the “Express Yourself” forum . We’d love to see everyone getting involved using the “Reaction” buttons to let other members know you liked their picture! It would be lovely see…

Eliza -Online Community Team
"Getting cancer at our age is such a shock" - supporting adults in their 20's, 30's and 40's on the Online Community

In this first of a two-part blog, we will be investigating the support available from the Online Community when you are diagnosed as a younger adult. Being diagnosed in your 20's, 30's or 40's might mean you are more likely to need support with issues around relationships, fertility, family, money and work. In this blog, we will focus on shared experiences, fertility and family. You might be thinking about starting a family; have young children, teenagers, elderly parents or other dependants to care for. You can find the second part of the blog here which will feature conversations on relationships, career and finances. Talking about cancer, with people who understand Lots of people find it can help to have someone to talk to when you have been referred for tests for cancer, have recently…

Steph - Online Community Team
Black History Month – Support and Solidarity on the Online Community

October is Black History Month in the UK, which has been celebrated nationwide for over 30 years. The theme for this year is ‘Reclaiming narratives’, which is around sharing and recognising the contributions of Black individuals and their stories. As part of recognising and celebrating Black History Month, today we are sharing available support and Black people living with cancer who have shared their story on the Online Community. We’re also sharing reflections on Black History Month from Francesca Okosi, Macmillan’s Chief People & Culture Officer. The first Black History Month in the UK took place in 1987 and was arranged by Akyaaba Addai-Sebo, who came to the UK from Ghana as a refugee in 1984. 1987 marked the 150th anniversary of the abolition of slavery in the Caribbean. Black History…

Eliza -Online Community Team
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
Let's talk about early menopause

This Menopause Awareness Month, Boots and Macmillan Cancer Support are raising awareness of early menopause caused by cancer treatment, shining a light on the experience of those impacted and the support available through their partnership. This blog will share some support information and personal experiences of those from our Online Community. Macmillan & Boots- raising awareness together New analysis from Macmillan Cancer Support reveals that an estimated 60,000 women with cancer under 50 in the UK are struggling with hormone-related side-effects of cancer treatment such as early menopause [1] . “I finished treatment a year ago. Started menopause at 33 had a radical hysterectomy followed by chemo, radiotherapy and brachytherapy. I am on oestrogen pessary and patches. Any advice would…

Megan- Online Community Team
Cancer support, emotional support, and existing mental health needs - World Mental Health Day 2024

It’s ok to not be ok Thursday 10 October is World Mental Health Day 2024 , and we’d like to take this opportunity to remind you of the various mental health support options you can access if you or a loved one is impacted by a cancer diagnosis. It’s not uncommon to need some form of mental health support when a cancer diagnosis impacts the life of yourself or a loved one. Much like how the body’s muscles risk becoming strained under sustained exertion, experiencing a mental health difficulty is a very natural reaction to being under significant or sustained emotional stress. There is nothing at all to be ashamed of if you’re struggling. It’s common, it’s understandable, and it means that you are very much not alone! Accessing professional mental health support There are various ways…

Matthew - Online Community Team
Fall into the Online Community Autumn Quiz

We're starting to hear lots of mentions of autumn on the Community, with members talking about the nights drawing in, the colours of the trees and the leaves crunching under your feet. As many of you told us that you enjoyed the chance to relax and engage with light-hearted content, w e've created an autumn themed quiz for the Community today. Even if you're not feeling particularly positive about Autumn this year, you might find light-hearted distractions to be helpful. Have a go at 'conker'ing the quiz today and see how you get on! How to play the interactive quiz Use the voting buttons to choose your answer from the multiple choices shown. You are welcome to try all eight questions, or just a few. Once you have voted for your answer, you will be able to see how many others chose…

Steph - Online Community Team
Diagnostic testing for endometrial cancer- Jane’s story

Jane was treated for endometrial cancer in 2022 and became a Community Champion in 2023. She volunteers in the Womb (uterus) cancer forum and across the Online Community. Members often turn to Macmillan for support during the diagnostic process so Jane is sharing her personal experience undergoing diagnostic testing for endometrial cancer, which may provide some reassurance if you have concerning symptoms. Dealing with symptoms My first symptom was a heavy vaginal bleeding where I passed palm-sized clots. This caused some cramping and lightheadedness. I also felt some lower back pain. After general checks at A&E, I was seen by a gynaecologist who referred me for further testing, and I was put on the two-week cancer referral pathway. I was unhelpfully told that only ‘one in ten ladies…

Megan- Online Community Team
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
Talking about adjuvant and neo-adjuvant cancer treatments on the Online Community

Members of the Community have been talking about adjuvant therapies . Adjuvant therapy can mean different things, depending on your type of cancer and cancer treatment . In addition to your primary treatment , your cancer doctor may recommend you have other treatments. This is often called adjuvant therapy and aims to reduce the risk of recurrence . Your cancer doctor or nurse will explain the treatment options , benefits and likely side effects to you. You can also talk things through here on the Community, with people going through similar treatment. Our members can’t give you medical advice, but through shared experiences you may feel more supported. Many members are talking about and asking questions about their adjuvant therapy, usually a course of treatment following the main cancer…

Steph - Online Community Team
Talking with experts about Sex and Cancer: "All good sex starts with a conversation"

Sex, intimacy, and relationships are regular topics of conversation here on the Community. From discussions about erectile dysfunction, and hormonal and libido changes to using dilators and pumps. There’s no need to feel embarrassed when talking about sex on the Community, our forums are anonymous safe spaces for you to talk openly about your feelings and share your personal experiences with people who understand. This blog features a video hosted by Helen Addis, joined by Macmillan Chief Medical Officer, Richard, and Sarah, a Sexual Health Nurse and Lovehoney Sexpert. Together, they explore the ways to maintain a healthy sexual relationship during and after cancer treatment. “Recovery and going through cancer treatment doesn’t have to mean that you lose your sexiness’. Through personal…

Megan- Online Community Team