News/Notifications

It is a worrying time for people with cancer, please read our information about coronavirus and cancer alongside this page.

Remember if you have symptoms of cancer you should still contact your doctor and go to any appointments you have. Spotting cancer early means treatment is more likely to be successful.

Most recent news/information

Virtual hair loss group sessions

A free service providing practical support for anyone experiencing hair loss as a result of cancer treatment.
www.headwrappers.org 

Please click here for further information to access our hair loss page.

Health and Wellbeing Event

The purpose of the event is to support you to live a healthy lifestyle following cancer/cancer treatment. The event will involve discussing various aspects of living with and beyond cancer that may be important in ensuring that you move forward and enjoy a healthy lifestyle.

Please click the image below for further information.

LAUNCH OF FIRST STEPS ONLINE

We are pleased to announce the First Steps program is now available online. Please click the image below which will open First Steps in a new page, or here for further information on First Steps.

Macmillan Facebook page

Check out our facebook page for the latest information on events and other interesting topics.

REDUCING YOUR RISK OF CATCHING CORONAVIRUS – Advice for cancer patients

After the 1st August 2020, the government are advising that high-risk patients and their family members don’t need to continue to shield from coronavirus.

Whilst the risk of catching coronavirus is currently decreasing, it hasn’t completely gone away. If you are currently on treatment for cancer, or have had treatment previously, you might be at increased risk of complications if you caught coronavirus. This may be because your immune system (which normally fights off infections) doesn’t work so well due to the cancer treatment, or because the cancer directly affects your ability to fight off the infection.

Even though the government are ending shielding from the 1st August, it’s worth considering how you can still reduce your risk from coronavirus.

  • Try to reduce contact with others outside the home.

    • Work from home where possible

    • Use online shopping deliveries or ask someone else to do your shopping.

    • Outdoor exercise is low risk if social distancing is maintained, and the benefits of this outweigh any risks.

       

  • Try to reduce the risk of catching the Coronavirus outside your home.

  • Consider wearing a mask outside of the home (although this shouldn’t be necessary for outdoor exercise if social distancing is maintained.)

  • Use hand sanitiser frequently

  • Avoid crowded areas where possible

  • Maintain social distancing of 1-2 metres

     

  • Try to reduce the risk of transmission of Coronavirus in your home:

  • Use hand sanitiser and wash your hands frequently for 20 seconds

  • Keep shared spaces well ventilated

  • Use separate towels and, if possible, use a separate bathroom from the rest of the household, or clean the bathroom frequently.

  • Ensure all kitchenware is cleaned thoroughly or use your own set of crockery.

  • Any essential carers or visitors who support you with your everyday needs can continue to visit, unless they have any of the symptoms of coronavirus. All visitors should wash their hands with soap and water for 20 seconds, on arrival and often, and should wear masks/appropriate PPE. 

If you need some help with your shopping, claiming benefits, have work queries or need to talk through your concerns, please contact the Macmillan Information and Support Team who are running a Cancer Support Line - 01484 343614; 01422 222709 or cancer.information@nhs.net . They will be able to advise on what help is available depending on your circumstances.  

You can also continue to register as vulnerable and needing support with shopping, via the two local councils NHS Volunteer responder service. Or the Macmillan Information service can do this for you if you do not have access to the internet:

Of course, the government may advise that shielding restarts if infection rates increase, either locally or nationally. Keep an eye on the news, or the latest government advice can be read at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19

 

If you become less well

The most common symptoms of coronavirus infection are:

  • Fever
  • A new cough
  • Chills or shivering
  • Aches and pains 

We want to make sure that you are assessed by the right person if you are unwell. Our Chemotherapy Helpline is still available 24 hours every day: 01422 222999.

If you have had any cancer treatment within the last 8 weeks, it’s very important that you ring the Oncology Helpline, not NHS 111, even if you think your symptoms are most likely to be coronavirus infection. If you’ve had recent treatment, there’s a chance that your symptoms might be a complication of your treatment, and not coronavirus. Some complications of treatment can be life threatening if not assessed quickly, and NHS 111 won’t be able to assess you as quickly as the Oncology Helpline can.

If you have NOT had any cancer treatment for more than 8 weeks, and think your symptoms are coronavirus, it is ok for you to contact NHS 111 online instead. However, if you have any doubt, or feel seriously unwell, we would still prefer that you contact the Oncology Helpline first.

For all other queries and support, please contact the Cancer Support Line – 01484 343614 or 01422 222709.