Advice on cancer

Cancer Care Map is an easy-to-use online resource designed to help you locate cancer support services. Operated by The Richard Dimbleby Cancer Fund charity, it features a search function to find services near your postcode.

You can find it here.

Offers free, expert advice and support on all aspects of hair loss, hair loss prevention (scalp cooling) and hair care, before, during and after cancer treatments.

You can call them on 01438 311 322 or email them via support@cancerhaircare.com.

We know being diagnosed with cancer can be very stressful and treatment can take many months. Cancer prehabilitation is a programme to prepare patients for treatment in terms of physical fitness, nutrition and emotional wellbeing. It maximises resilience to treatment, improves long-term health and overall quality of life.

Scientific evidence shows that benefits include:

• Improved tolerance to treatment
• Reduced side effects such as fatigue, pain, anxiety and depression
• Improved quality of life
• Reduced complication rates
• Shorter hospital stays and fewer emergency admissions.

Two programmes are available to patients from diagnosis onwards up to two years post diagnosis:

Alvie

A digital health optimisation programme focusing on boosting your fitness and energy, improving your nutrition and help you manage stress.

Every newly diagnosed cancer patient within the Mid & South Essex NHS Trust will have access to this programme.

Living Well with Cancer exercise programme in association with Impulse Leisure

There is also the option to attend a Living Well with Cancer face-to-face exercise programme, which is provided at seven venues across mid and south Essex.

Speak to your specialist cancer nurse or one of our social prescribers to be referred.

If you would like further information about either programme please email the team: mse.msecancerprehabilitation@nhs.net

Apply for tickets/vouchers for a range of outings for patients with a life limiting illness.

Mr Randall sadly passed from bowel cancer, and prior to his death his family and friends planned regular outings. The David Randall Foundation aims to provide the same opportunity for patient with a life limiting illness in Essex.

The application form and further information can be found here.

Citizens Advice Essex is pleased to be partnering with Macmillan Cancer Support, to provide a specialist welfare benefits advice service to help more people in Essex cope with the financial impact of a cancer diagnosis. A diagnosis of cancer can have a real impact on both those affected directly and their families.

You can self refer to the service via the Citizen Advice website, email or telephone, found below.

Online: Citizens Advice Essex | Macmillan

Phone: 0300 3730952. Calls are answered Monday – Friday 10am to 4pm. If a call isn’t picked up it will go to voicemail and generate an email to help@macmillan-essexca.org.uk

Email: Help@macmillan-essex.org.uk

Group support people who have are affected by cancer, their family members and carers.

You can contact them via  07368 145 474 or laceessex@icloud.com. You can find their website here.

Support services for patients face-to-face or on-line.

Get in touch via Hello@life-aftercancer.co.uk or visit their website here.

The Little C Club, founded by two mothers, aims to make cancer less intimidating. They provide guidance on navigating difficult conversations about cancer with children in a safe, supportive, and creative manner.

You can find out more on their website here.

Practical workshops and classes for people with cancer to help manage the visible and emotional effects of treatment. Sessions are offered face-to-face in various locations as well as virtually.

You can call them on 01372 747500 or visit their website here.

Macmillan Cancer Support offers comprehensive support for people living with cancer, including financial advice, emotional support, and practical help. You can find more information here.

Their services are designed to help you navigate your cancer journey. They also have a local directory of support services you can search.

A charity that supports patients affected by Menopause and Cancer. Over 140 Podcasts, resources and workshops available.

You can find out more on their website here.

Offers free one-to-one bra fitting service in locations across Essex.

You can call them on 01243 537300 or visit their website here.

Provides workshops and resources to support cancer patients who are parents or dependent children.

You can find out more here.

Penny Brohn UK is a cancer health and wellbeing charity. They support any adult with any type of cancer, anywhere in the UK. 

Whether you are newly diagnosed, going through cancer treatment, adjusting to life after treatment or living with a terminal diagnosis, they can give you the tools and support you need to live better with cancer and feel more in control of your life.

Based on over 40 years of experience, they offer a range of ways to learn and experience how simple, evidence-based lifestyle and complementary approaches can help you to feel more resilient and enjoy a better quality of life with cancer. 

All their services are led by our qualified and experienced practitioner team, are free to join, and can be accessed following a simple registration process that can be completed online or with the support of our client support team. 

Find out more via their website here.

Supports cancer patients in their 20s, 30s and 40s and their partners, and provides local meet-ups.

You can contact the Essex network via essex@shinecancersupport.org or via the link here. For more information about Shine Cancer Support you can visit their website here.

Offers support services, programmes and community for cancer patients in their 20s, 30s and 40s.

You can email them on hello@trekstock.com or visit their website to find out more here.

Provides 1 hr free coaching for cancer patient experiencing challenges at work/returning to work.

You can call them on 07910 835585 or visit their website here.