How you helped refresh our Patient Information resources

Refreshing Our Patient Information resources

Our Patient Information team recently updated the resources we use to raise awareness of the information and support available for people affected by cancer. The goal was to make sure our support offer is easy to find and understand, whatever someone’s background, literacy level, or accessibility needs.

We provide an information leaflet, poster, and wallet card that signpost people to:

Cancer Chat – our online community where people can connect and share experiences
Cancer Information Nurses – our specialist helpline offering expert advice and support
About Cancer webpages – trusted information on cancer types, treatments, and coping

These resources are widely used in hospitals and GP practices, and Cancer Research UK staff also share them at events. Every month, we distribute around 7,000 wallet cards, 1,300 leaflets, and 50 posters, showing how valuable they are in helping people access support.

To make sure these materials are clear, relevant, and high quality, we involved our Online Cancer Insights Panel in the refresh. Their input helped us design resources that truly meet the needs of patients and their loved ones - providing reassurance and guidance during what can be a worrying and difficult time.

Impact of involvement on our resources

Thanks to your involvement, we’ve made meaningful changes to ensure our resources are more inclusive, accessible, and supportive. Here’s the difference your input made:

More inclusive and relatable materials

We added more diverse images to represent different cultures, age groups, and visible and hidden disabilities
Included a real patient story for authenticity and emotional connection.

Clearer, easier-to-understand information

Simplified language and improved layout using icons, headings, and colour for better navigation.
Clarified clinical trials information and contact details (including making the freephone number clear).

Improved accessibility and practicality

Added QR codes to the leaflet and poster for quick access to online resources.
Increased font size on wallet card for readability.
Highlighted the need for future development of “easy read” versions and multilingual formats.

Your feedback on the above resources has helped to shape, develop and improve them to best meet the needs of people affected by cancer. As it is most likely that people will use these resources during the time of diagnosis, we wanted them to be trustworthy and easy to access, particularly during a very overwhelming time for many.

- Patient Information Web team staff member

We can’t thank you enough for your thoughtful and honest comments. This consultation has demonstrated the value and strength of lived experience when developing information resources for people affected by cancer.

- Patient Information Web team staff member

Why this matters

Your feedback ensured these resources are warmer, more supportive, and easier to use, especially during overwhelming times like diagnosis. They now feel inclusive, practical, and trustworthy, helping people find the right support quickly.