Support resources
Support beyond treatment
More people under 50 are being diagnosed with cancer than ever before, and that brings its own challenges.
These UK charities and services cover the practical and emotional side of living with cancer. This list was curated and checked by Dr Ravindhi Murphy and Dr Eunice Xing. Services are run independently, so check their details directly. If you have been diagnosed with bowel or rectal cancer, find out about treatment with Dr Murphy.
Body image
- No7 and Macmillan
Online and in-person advice from Boots No7 and Macmillan on managing the cosmetic and physical effects of cancer treatment.
- My New Hair
A UK network of salons that fit and style wigs and support regrowth after cancer-related hair loss.
- Look Good Feel Better
Free workshops, online and in person, on skin, hair, nails and confidence during treatment.
- Cancer Hair Care UK
Free expert advice on hair loss, scalp cooling and hair care before, during and after treatment.
Experiences and treats
- Something To Look Forward To
Gifts, experiences and treats for people with cancer and their families facing financial hardship.
- 4 Cancer
Respite activities such as sailing, day trips and short breaks for individuals and families.
- Willow
Special days and breaks for people aged 16 to 40 with a cancer diagnosis.
- Youth Cancer Trust
Online support and free wellbeing holidays for adults diagnosed before the age of 30.
- Foxtrot Oscar Cancer
Tickets and trips to sporting events for people going through treatment.
- Gift of a Wedding
Weddings and vow renewals for people with a terminal or life-shortening illness.
- Purple Heart Wishes
Wishes granted to adults aged 18 to 55 with a terminal diagnosis.
- The Swan Song Project
Free songwriting support for people living with a terminal illness or coping with bereavement.
Nutrition
- World Cancer Research Fund
Oncology dietitian support, guides on eating during treatment, recipes and free cooking classes.
- Penny Brohn UK
Online group nutrition sessions with experienced nutritionists, plus self-care resources.
- Memorial Sloan Kettering recipes
Recipes developed by nutrition experts for people having cancer treatment.
- Flavour and Nutrition recipe book
A free recipe booklet for coping with taste changes during treatment (PDF).
- Life Kitchen recipe booklet
Free recipes designed to bring back enjoyment of food when taste is affected (PDF).
Exercise and fitness
- Move Against Cancer
Encourages movement during and after cancer, with monthly parkrun events and online workshops.
- Penny Brohn UK
Online sessions inspired by yoga and tai chi to help with fatigue and muscle loss.
- Trekstock
A free 8-week course of small-group exercise classes for people in their 20s and 30s.
- Battle Cancer Program
A 12-week programme of exercise, mental wellbeing and community support after treatment.
- Move Dance Feel
Dance sessions for women with cancer at any stage. No experience needed.
Sex, fertility and menopause
- Sex with Cancer
Expert answers to common questions about sex and intimacy during and after cancer.
- Trekstock
Guides and videos on fertility, menopause and sexual health, plus an 8-week online menopause course.
- Penny Brohn UK
Online sessions supporting people with cancer-related menopause.
- Menopause and Cancer
Events, podcasts, videos and articles on menopause caused by cancer treatment.
Finances and practicalities
Cancer is legally recognised as a disability under the Equality Act 2010 from the day of diagnosis, whatever the type or stage. This gives you protection at work. Cancer Research UK explains your rights.
- Macmillan money advisers
Free, confidential advice on benefits and financial support.
- Macmillan booklets and resources
Guides and podcasts on benefits, work and money.
- turn2us
Benefits calculator, grant search and help with PIP applications.
- Working with Cancer
Coaching and webinars for employees, employers, the self-employed and carers.
- Insurancewith
Travel insurance for people with medical conditions.
- Travel insurers list (AMMF)
Insurers that cover pre-existing conditions (PDF).
- Roy Castle travel insurance guide
Advice and insurers for travelling with cancer.
- Access Card
An ID card that shows your access needs as symbols at venues across the UK.
- Taxicard
Subsidised taxis in London for people with long-term mobility difficulties.
- SimPal
Free six-month prepaid SIM cards and phones for people with cancer.
- Legal sessions at The Mulberry Centre
Free 30-minute online sessions with a solicitor on wills and power of attorney.
Family and children
- Fruitfly Collective
Toolkits, webinars and free coaching for parents with a cancer diagnosis.
- Ruth Strauss Foundation
Support for parents with incurable cancer and their families, including peer groups for teenagers.
- Hope Support Services
Online support for young people aged 5 to 25 with a seriously ill family member.
- The Osborne Trust
Respite activities and resources for children whose parent has cancer.
- Pip's Kit
Toolkits helping children cope when a parent or carer has an incurable illness.
- The Chris Aked Foundation
Memory-making days for children with a seriously ill parent or sibling; counselling in south-east London and Kent.
Emotional support
- Macmillan Buddies
Weekly phone calls from a trained volunteer matched to you.
- HOPE programme
A 6-week course from Macmillan using mindfulness, positive psychology and CBT techniques.
- Penny Brohn UK
Online relaxation, breathwork and sleep sessions, plus counselling consultations.
- The Mulberry Centre
Psychological support, complementary therapies and wellbeing classes, open to anyone.
- Cancer on Board
Free badges for public transport so others know you may need a seat.
- From Me to You
Free cards and letters for people with cancer, one-off or monthly.
Life after treatment
- Life After Cancer
In-person sessions in London and online workshops on adjusting after treatment ends.
- Cancer Coach, Cancer Support UK
Free support groups for people who have finished treatment for stage 1 to 3 cancer.
Local support in West London
- The Mulberry Centre, West Middlesex Hospital
Complementary therapies, counselling, support groups and workshops.
- Maggie's West London, Charing Cross Hospital
Drop-in support with specialists, psychologists and advisers, plus workshops.
- Macmillan Centre, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital
Information, complementary therapies and benefits advice.
- Shine Cancer Support
Events and online support for people diagnosed in their 20s to 40s.
- Trekstock
Exercise programmes, social events and information for people in their 20s and 30s.
- Victoria's Promise app
A private peer support app for women aged 25 to 50 living with cancer.
- The Cancer Club UK
Support for men with cancer through sport, online and in person.
- OUTpatients
The UK's LGBTIQ+ cancer charity, with online and in-person groups.
- Cancer Education UK
Cancer awareness and a confidential helpline for Black, Asian, minority ethnic and refugee communities.
- Cancer Care Map
Find cancer support services anywhere in the UK.