Where to get support
The type of support you look for can depend on several things, like:
Not everyone needs the same level of support. Some people might feel they need tips to help them to look after their mental wellbeing while others might feel they are in need of specialist support.
Not everywhere in the UK has the same services. The NHS has information about local mental health support in your area.
This can include talking therapy, religious support or a support group. You might not know what you need at the moment and that is OK. Mind, the mental health charity, has more information on support options.
You might want support from a service that also understands your cancer diagnosis and experience. Macmillan Cancer Support and Maggie’s has information and support services for people with cancer and their families.
For more information on the above organisations, visit our page on mental health support organisations.
Read more about mental health support organisations
Trusted and reliable information is:
regularly reviewed and updated
has an identifiable author, such as an individual or organisation, that you can look up to find out more about their qualifications on the topic
based on the highest level of scientific evidence where available
make use of the input of specialists and people with lived experience
has references you can check
is regulated by an independent organisation such as the Patient Information Forum
It can be difficult to know whether a website can be trusted. Some websites, like the Cancer Research UK or NHS website, carry the Patient Information Forum mark (PIF tick). This shows the information has been through a professional research and writing process.
Not all information will have marks like this. So, look whether they are:
a registered charity
an official government organisation
have references you can easily check
Many organisations also carry the Plain English Campaign logo. This means the information is written in plain English, and try to avoid medical jargon where possible.
Contacting an information and support service when you’re newly diagnosed or struggling with your mental health is often a good place to start. You can do this if you have cancer yourself or if you’re a family member or carer of someone with cancer.
Some cancer hospitals are linked with Macmillan Information Services or Maggie’s Centres. They are available throughout the UK.
These centres can offer:
emotional support, advice and information
welfare and benefits advice
wig and scarf-tying advice
complementary therapies
diet and nutrition advice
psychological and emotional care
a well-being programme of workshops, courses and events
Find a Macmillan Information and Support service
Last reviewed: 01 Nov 2022
Next review due: 01 Nov 2022
There are several organisations that provide counselling, as well as registration for counsellors and psychotherapists.
A range of mental health and well-being organisations can offer support when you have cancer.
Cancer support organisations can offer support when you have cancer or when you're caring for someone with cancer. Some have general cancer information, while others have advice for specific cancer types.
Cancer support organisations can offer support when you have cancer or when you're caring for someone with cancer. Some have general cancer information, while others have advice for specific cancer types.
There is no one type of support that is best for everyone, and different things work for different people at different times. It is OK to stop a type of support if it is not working for you.
Whether you are someone with cancer or a carer for someone with cancer, we want you to know that it is common to struggle with your mental health when dealing with a cancer diagnosis. But there are people who can support you during this time and things you can do to help yourself.
About Cancer generously supported by Dangoor Education since 2010. Learn more about Dangoor Education
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Questions about cancer? Call freephone 0808 800 40 40 from 9 to 5 - Monday to Friday. Alternatively, you can email us.
