Living with and beyond cancer

More people than ever live with and beyond cancer.

Anyone affected by cancer can benefit from our support. We’re based at Stoke Mandeville Hospital and make sure that you have access to comprehensive and appropriate information and support, to help you live with and beyond cancer.

Our team is staffed by Macmillan Cancer information healthcare professionals and supported by trained volunteers.

How our wellbeing team support you

We help you and anyone affected by cancer at whatever stage you’re at. Whether you’ve had a shock diagnosis following an urgent admission, need help to prepare for cancer treatment, or need access to services to help you live beyond cancer, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Advice and support

Available on a drop-in basis or appointment basis. We can also provide access to a citizens advice advisor by phone or email.

We also offer support when your treatment ends.

Psychological and emotional support

The Bucks Cancer Psychology Service supports people with any emotional and psychological distress associated with living with and beyond cancer. We recognise that diagnosis, treatment, and life after cancer can cause significant challenges for patients and their families.

Our team includes clinical psychologists and psychotherapists. We offer a range of psychological therapies when working with individuals, couples, and families (of adult age).

To make an appointment, leave a message on 01296 322207. We’ll respond to your voicemail and return your call as soon as possible.

Courses and events

In collaboration with Macmillan, we run 1-day and 3-day courses on living with and following a cancer diagnosis.

The HOPE courses allow you to share your experiences with others, get advice and information on how to increase your ability to cope.

You’ll cover things like:

• self management
• sleeping better
• eating well
• facing the future.

We run the courses regularly throughout the year at Stoke Mandeville Hospital.

Health and wellbeing events

We also run twice yearly health and wellbeing events which cover:

• benefits and other financial support
• diet and lifestyle
• long-term side-effects of treatment
• local services.

Evidence has shown that patients who attended a health and wellbeing event have:

• better knowledge of the signs and symptoms of cancer recurrence and consequences of treatment
• more confidence to question or challenge information and make informed decisions about their health
• more confidence to deal with the physical discomfort and emotional distress associated with cancer and its treatment
• a strong sense of reassurance – even if the services are not needed at that time, they know what’s available and how to access them in the future.

For more information including dates for all courses and events, call 01296 838340.

Wig/headwear supply and fitting service

A free service funded by the Cancer Care and Haematology Charitable Fund. It’s available face-to-face at the Cancer Care and Haematology Unit on a monthly basis.

Ask your CNS, chemotherapy nurses or contact us directly for a referral.

How we work with Macmillan

It’s widely recognised that living a good quality of life following a cancer diagnosis is as important to people as survival.

By working with Macmillan Cancer Support we help improve your experience of living with and beyond cancer.

This includes:

• a holistic needs assessment – helping you to address individual concerns so that you can get tailored support
• personalised care and support planning – based on the concerns raised in your holistic needs assessment
• treatment summary, after a phase of treatment or at the end – it details your treatment and includes information such as possible side effects
• care reviews to share your experiences.

Living with and beyond cancer – managing lifestyle and wellbeing

After a cancer diagnosis, many people find that following a healthy, balanced diet and staying active helps give them back a sense of control. It can also help to manage some of the side effects of cancer treatment.

Find out more and get guidance on eating well and staying active from Macmillan.

NHS live well also provides general advice on how to manage a healthier lifestyle.

Help from local organisations

We signpost people affected by cancer to sources of support across Buckinghamshire. This includes:

• community-based activities led by specialist cancer physiotherapsists
• support groups and networks
• talking therapies for anxiety and depression.

Help from national organisations

You may need advice and support on the wider aspects of living with and beyond cancer. For example, financial advice including what benefits you may be entitled to, or practical advice such as planning for the future.

We’ll signpost you to organisations such as Macmillan. As well as a comprehensive website with useful resources, you’ll find out about services they offer such as access to their buddy system, free counselling and access to their cancer nurse specialists.

Call the Macmillan support line on 0808 808 0000.