Shutterstock / DGLimages©Macmillan Cancer Support estimates at least 150,000 people have been newly diagnosed with cancer in the UK since March.
Recent analysis by the charity also suggests tens of thousands of people across the UK are missing a diagnosis they would otherwise have received because of the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
Macmillan wants to ensure everyone affected by cancer is making use of its round-the-clock support in this crisis, and is urging patients and their loved ones to contact its phoneline.
Here, anyone affected by or worried about cancer can talk with specially trained nurses and advisors. The charity is also reminding anyone worried about symptoms to contact their GP as an absolute priority.
Doing whatever it takes
Chris Payne, Support Line Manager at Macmillan, says:
“Macmillan’s specially trained teams are on hand, every day, to provide support — answering, explaining and giving people time and space to come to terms with whatever they are going through.
“Our experts can even help with financial or welfare guidance, or provide practical answers to day-to-day questions.
“We will keep doing whatever it takes to ensure people with cancer do not feel forgotten in this crisis.”
Macmillan and the NHS are still here for you
Macmillan’s Chief Executive Lynda Thomas, adds:
“This is an acutely challenging time for people with cancer.
“Macmillan is here to do whatever it takes at a time when the NHS is understandably struggling. We know that the pandemic has disrupted some treatment, but healthcare professionals are doing everything they can to keep cancer care on track.
“GPs are open if anyone is worried about possible symptoms. We want people to know that Macmillan and the NHS are still here for you.”
Anyone in need of cancer support can call the Macmillan Support Line on 0808 808 00 00, which is open 7 days a week, 8am-8pm, or visit Macmillan’s website or Online Community.
Those who are experiencing cancer symptoms should contact their GP as a matter of urgency.
The latest guidance on coronavirus for people with cancer is available on the charity’s online Covid-19 hub.
Macmillan services include:
- Emotional and practical information
- Clinical information
- Financial guidance
- Welfare rights and grants
- Energy advice
- Work and career support
- Coronavirus guidance
- Telephone Buddies Scheme
For more health and wellbeing advice from “The People’s Friend”, click here.
Yvonne McKenzie I work on the Features team and admit to being nosy, so I love looking after the Between Friends letters and finding out all about our lovely readers. I also look after our health copy and enjoy writing about inspiring people that help make the articles in the magazine so interesting.
