Community News - Macmillan Online Community

International Cancer Support: Connecting across borders in our Online Community

In today’s world, geographic boundaries no longer limit compassion and support. In our Online Community, we welcome members from across the globe, including the USA, Australia, India, South Africa and beyond. Regardless of your background, culture, race, or religion, our Community is a safe space for anyone affected by cancer to give and receive support. “Hello there from across the pond. Very humid here in Florida but cooler weather coming.” Community member - Breast cancer forum From North America, all the way to Asia, members are keen to connect with others that are in a similar situation. No matter the country of residence, a cancer diagnosis can bring along the same challenges and questions. Recently, we had someone join the Community from India, hoping to connect with other members…

Dylan - Online Community Team
Spring into our Online Community Quiz

Welcome to our spring themed quiz Members have been talking about springtime across the Online Community. Whether it's blossom coming out on the trees or the longer days, there's lots of positivity in the air. Even if you're not feeling particularly positive right now, you might find light-hearted distractions to be helpful. After receiving feedback that many of you have enjoyed a chance to relax and engage with light-hearted content, w e've created a spring themed quiz for the Community today. 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 ten questions, or just a few. Once you have voted for your answer, you will be able to see how many others chose the same answer as you. Where can…

Steph - Online Community Team
The Changing Faces of Cancer- Scalp cooling, Hair loss and Regrowth.

Jane was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive type of endometrial cancer in March 2022. She underwent surgery, chemotherapy, and external beam radiotherapy. During chemotherapy, she decided to scalp cool to try and prevent hair loss. During her Community Champion role, she often comes across people who need support with hair loss and have questions about it. Sometimes pictures can speak louder than words so she has put together a visual timeline to share her experience. Scalp Cooling- The positives… But will I lose my hair? Was one of the first questions I asked when told I needed chemotherapy. Hair is not just about vanity, it is part of our identity and although I knew I was really ill, I did not want to look ill. I wanted where I could, to keep any struggles private while I was dealing…

Megan- Online Community Team
The Online Community can be a part of your social prescription

The Online Community can be a part of your social prescription. Read this blog to help build your own social support plan. Did you know that some medical professionals will prescribe social interaction to support your mental health and overall wellbeing? NHS England says that: “Social prescribing is a key component of Universal Personalised Care. It is an approach that connects people to activities, groups, and services in their community to meet the practical, social, and emotional needs that affect their health and wellbeing.” Read more on the NHS information pages about how social prescribing schemes work. The Online Community can help meet your practical, social, and emotional needs and this blog will share details of how we can help. We can connect you with others who share similar…

Megan- Online Community Team
Sex and cancer uncovered – your needs are worth talking about!

Mentioning the Unmentionable If you ask the average person about what part sex and intimacy plays in their life, it wouldn’t be unusual to see them curl up like a pretzel with embarrassment. Despite being the most natural and healthy thing in the world, it’s a topic often relegated to the ‘unmentionable’ pile. Although sex and intimacy are a fundamental part of the human experience, the topic seems to inspire a unique level of shame when trying to talk about it openly. Unlike talking about our favourite foods or our preferred sleep routine, talking about sex can lead to red faces, giggles, and a desperate effort to escape the discussion completely. For someone affected by a cancer diagnosis, the topic becomes vastly more complex. It isn’t just the social taboo of sex usually being a highly…

Matthew - Online Community Team
Sharing comfort tips with the Community - what's on your wish list?

What would you put on your comfort wish-list if you were to share it today? You might be looking for something to help with side effects of chemo or other cancer treatment . You could be looking for the best gift to let someone know you’re thinking about them when they’re having a difficult time with cancer. Or perhaps you just need some new ideas when prioritising self-care . It can be really helpful to be able to share information and ideas. In this Community News Blog, we're sharing top tips from across the Community and inviting you to share your own. Lots of people find it can help to be prepared when you're going for tests or going through cancer treatment . In this recent Community News Blog , we shared members tips and lists about what to pack for your hospital visit or stay.…

Steph - Online Community Team
How are you really?

Did you know there is a theory that when you ask someone how they are, you should to ask twice to get a truthful answer? Think about it, how many times have you been asked, ‘how are you?’ and you have answered with ‘fine thanks how are you? Sometimes replying with this is easier than explaining how you really feel if you’re struggling. If you ask ‘How are you?’ again, you may find you will get a different answer. Asking twice shows you care and are not asking out of politeness. If you answered 'I'm fine thank you' in the above poll, my question is, how are you really? Tell us in the comment box below. Benefits of talking Putting your thoughts into words will often help you understand what you are feeling and why. You may have lots of different emotions. Having someone listen to…

Megan- Online Community Team
What to pack for hospital?

Electronic devices , water bottle , lip balm , reading materials ... Just some of the items that might appear on helpful forum replies when someone asks, 'What should I put in my hospital bag ?' Lots of people find it can help to feel prepared when you're going for tests or going through cancer treatment . You might be planning your own hospital stay or helping a loved one with an appointment What would you put on your packing list if you were to share it today? It could be what to put in your bag when you go for chemotherapy treatment or what clothing to take into hospital when you have surgery. In this Community News Blog, we're sharing top tips from across the Community and inviting you to share your own. What should I take to hospital? Your healthcare team will usually provide…

Steph - Online Community Team
Toxic Positivity - Part Two

Last year, we published a blog on “toxic positivity”, including guidance on navigating conversations about cancer. The blog resonated with numerous Community members, prompting some to share their experiences dealing with toxic positivity in the comments. We wanted to share some of those insightful comments with you here, as well as some helpful links if you have been struggling with how to navigate conversations with family and friends. If you haven’t come across the concept of “toxic positivity” before, you can read the original blog by clicking here. Dealing with toxic positivity “Wow, I’m so happy to read this is a thing. I try really hard to be positive and occasionally feel angry or upset. I can’t believe the number of times I’ve been told I’ll be okay because I’m so positive, or…

Dylan - Online Community Team
National Love Your Pets Day - Sharing the comfort of pets with a Community invitation and interactive game

National Love Your Pet Day is observed on February 20th each year. It's a day to set aside some extra time to show your pets how much they mean to you and to reflect on the positive impact they have on your life. To celebrate all pets associated with the Online Community, we invite members to share a photo or story of their pet on the Community this week. You can share in your existing forums or pop over to our 'Animals are family too' forum and join in the conversations. We have also prepared a quick 'this or that' interactive game for some pet-related fun. Would you prefer to be curled up cosily like a cat, or bound round a field with other canine friends? Make your votes to see how you compare to the rest of the Community. An invitation to our 'Animals are family too' forum If you…

Steph - Online Community Team
Spreading love, hearts and hugs with the Online Community Cupid's Quiz

A big thank you for all the care you share It's Valentine's week and we're sharing hearts and hugs across the Community to anyone who needs it. We understand that some of you like light-hearted content to enjoy by yourself, with your loved ones, or just to take your mind off things. To say thank you for all the care you share, we have produced a short valentine-themed interactive quiz for members today. Whilst we won't share individual scores, you will be able to see how the Community has done once you have selected your answer. Where can I find the answers? You can find the answers hidden at the bottom of this page. No peeking until you have completed the quiz! Spread some love, hearts and hugs Please use the reaction button to let us know once you've completed the quiz. On a computer…

Steph - Online Community Team
Allan’s story- living with oesophageal cancer and a feeding tube

Allan lives with his best friend in Eastbourne and shares his personal experience with Oesophageal cancer in this blog. He now has a feeding tube and is passionate about helping others who may also need similar treatment. In 2016 my right leg became blocked, and I couldn’t walk for long. After various visits to the hospital, it was decided for me to have a Femur Tibia Bypass. My leg was blocked from the groin to the ankle. I had 90 staples fitted and was left with a scar all down my leg. In 2018, lung cancer was found in my right lung, and then I was diagnosed with cancer of the Oesophagus in the same year. Regarding my cancer of the Oesophagus, I had trouble swallowing and had a massive bleed in the stomach. I attended the hospital on various occasions during 2017 & 2018 which led me to…

Megan- Online Community Team