In this blog, our Information Development Nurse Teri talks through some of the options for breast reconstruction after a mastectomy.
Having a diagnosis of breast cancer can be hard enough, without the added stress of being asked to choose between treatments. Surgery is usually the first treatment for breast cancer. For some people, a mastectomy (removing all the breast tissue) is recommended instead of breast conserving…
We know that coronavirus (COVID-19) is still affecting everyone’s life dramatically. But for people with cancer and their friends and families, the pandemic may create even more concerns. This blog is part of a short series about cancer and the coronavirus from Macmillan’s Cancer Information Development Team. This blog is about cancer treatment and coronavirus.
Many people with cancer are anxious about the…
We know that the coronavirus (COVID-19) is affecting everyone’s life dramatically. But for people with cancer and their friends and families, the pandemic may create even more concerns. This blog is the first in a short series about cancer and the coronavirus from Macmillan’s Cancer Information Development Team. This blog is about cancer and the coronavirus vaccines.
There has been a lot of information in…
In this blog, Content Developer Azmina explores the possibility of using a process called scalp cooling during chemotherapy to reduce or prevent hair loss.
Some cancer treatments can cause hair loss or thinning, and this affects people in different ways. Our hair can be an important part of our appearance and identity. For some, losing their hair is one of the most distressing parts of having treatment. For others, it…
In this blog, Content Developer Azmina sets out practical tips for coping with fatigue caused by cancer or its treatment.
As many as 9 out of 10 people with cancer (90%) get cancer-related fatigue (CRF) at some point. If you have CRF, you may feel very tired or exhausted all or most of the time.
CRF is different from the everyday tiredness that people without cancer may experience. You may get tired quickly after small…
Many people with myeloma are now living longer and better lives with treatment. There may be long periods when the cancer is under control and you are living your day-to-day life. But there can still be ways that myeloma can affect you, whether physically, financially or emotionally. Below, our Information Development Nurse Rebecca lists some things that might help.
Physical effects
You may have symptoms, such as fatigue…
To mark Mental Health Awareness Week, Content Developer Azmina explores how sleep affects our mental well-being and gives 10 practical tips for managing sleep problems.
Mental Health Awareness Week takes place from 18 to 24 May 2020. This year, the theme is how sleep or a lack of it can affect how we feel and our mental health.
Many people affected by cancer can have trouble sleeping. This is called insomnia and may…
Now, more than ever, people are appreciating the contribution of nurses to society. Today is International Nurses’ Day. To mark it, our Information Development Nurse Teri reflects on her own experiences as an oncology (cancer) nurse, and how the current coronavirus pandemic is changing things.
In recent weeks, the international profile of all health care professionals has risen. There is a greater sense of international…
Stress is something many of us deal with on a daily basis, but in the current times, feelings of stress may be higher than usual. With all of the change and uncertainty at the moment it is natural to feel overwhelmed, or more stressed than usual. April is Stress Awareness Month, and in this blog, Editorial Assistant Molly suggests some ways to cope with stress at this time.
Try to stick to a daily routine
At the moment…
What is easy read?
Easy read uses simple words and pictures to explain information.
Who is it for?
Easy read is useful for anyone who finds it hard to read, including people:
What is different about easy read information?
We want all our information about cancer to…
This month is Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, a great opportunity to raise awareness of the 4th most common cancer in the UK. This blog explains what bowel cancer is, what the symptoms might be and how you can reduce your risk.
What is bowel cancer?
The bowel is made up of the small bowel (small intestine) and the large bowel (colon, rectum and anus). We have information on what the bowel does here. The term bowel cancer…
We want to write information that is useful and accessible to every person affected by cancer. This blog, by our cancer information development nurse Hilary, shows how our volunteer reviewers are helping us write more inclusive information.
Our reviewer feedback
To check that we’re getting our information right, we routinely ask the people who use it what they think. Every time we update a piece of information, some…
Home isolation can be challenging for everyone. But if you or someone you love has a cancer diagnosis, it can be especially difficult. In this blog, our cancer information development nurse Rebecca share some ideas of how to keep busy and stay in touch with friends and family while staying at home. For the latest health information about coronavirus, see the information from the NHS for England and Wales, for Scotla…
When you finish cancer treatment, it can be hard to move on with your life and let go of the fear that your cancer could return. For some people, this is a fear that never goes away. You might find that life after cancer has brought uncertainty or new challenges that you didn’t feel prepared for. However, this doesn’t mean you can’t learn to cope with feeling worried.
Here are some tips for coping…
For lots of people who have been affected by cancer, Mother’s Day is an emotional time. This year may be harder than others if you can’t spend time together. But remember that Mother’s day is also a chance to celebrate those closest to us. In this blog, editor Katy reflects on the meaning of the day and explores some different ways you can make the most of it.
Why do we celebrate Mother’s Day?…
In this blog, Content Developer Azmina gives practical tips for talking to your employer and other people at work about cancer.
When you have cancer, you may find the idea of talking about it upsetting or uncomfortable. But it is important to think about who needs to know and the best way to talk to them.
Telling your employer and other people at work about a cancer diagnosis may mean you get practical and emotional…
Many people have radiotherapy as part of their cancer treatment. It uses high-energy rays, such as x-rays, to destroy cancer cells. In this blog content developer Azmina explains when radiotherapy is used, what to expect and issues to consider during treatment.
When is radiotherapy used?
Radiotherapy can be used to:
In this blog, our information development nurse Rebecca looks at what the eHNA is, how it works and how it might be able to help you get the support you need.
A cancer diagnosis can affect you in many ways. You may worry about your treatment or about the possible side effects it may cause. But you may also worry about your work, mortgage or who is going to look after your children or pets if you need to go into hospital…
Today, 14th February, is Valentine’s Day and the shops are filled with red roses, romantic cards and cuddly toys. If your loved one has died from cancer, these may all be painful reminders of your loss.
In this blog, Content Developer Azmina suggests possible ways of coping on Valentine’s Day if you
have lost a loved one or partner.
No matter how much time has passed since your bereavement, special dates can…
February is National Heart Month and this blog, written by our editorial assistant Molly, will give some tips on how to improve your heart health.
Some cancer treatments can affect how your heart works. If you develop heart problems during or after cancer treatment, your doctors will talk to you about the best way to manage them.
You can improve your heart health at any age, even if you already have a heart problem.…
This blog, written by our information development nurse Teri, marks Cervical Cancer Prevention Week by explaining what cervical screening is and why it is important.
Many people would prefer to avoid going to their GP or health clinic. It can be difficult for some to take up the offer of a health screening test, particularly cervical screening, as the thought of it can feel embarrassing. If you are put off going for cervical…
Today, the third Monday of January, is claimed to be the most depressing day of the year. If, this Blue Monday, you are living with cancer and worried about money or debt after the Christmas period, Content Developer Azmina gives some practical tips.
What is Blue Monday?
In 2005, a British travel company tried to tempt people to book a holiday. They claimed that the third Monday in January is the most depressing day of…
Many of us make New Year resolutions to have a healthier lifestyle, but this can be challenging if you are recovering from cancer treatment. In this blog, Content Developer Azmina suggests ways of making positive changes and keeping to a healthy weight.
You may not expect to gain weight during cancer treatment, but there are several reasons why this could happen:
According to research by Macmillan, 16% of people living with cancer find Christmas one of the loneliest times of the year. In this blog, Content Developer Azmina gives tips for coping if you are
feeling lonely or isolated over the festive season.
People around you are celebrating, the streets are full of sparkly decorations and TV adverts bombard you with images of the perfect family Christmas, with all the trimmings…
As many as 9 out of 10 people with cancer (90%) get cancer-related fatigue (CRF). In this blog, our senior content developer and managing editor Rachel talks about a new online resource to support people with fatigue.
What is fatigue?
Fatigue is a feeling of tiredness or exhaustion. Fatigue can be especially difficult to deal with when you are already trying to cope with cancer. You may feel very tired or exhausted all…
