A cancer diagnosis can change your life in many ways. It can affect not only your physical health, but also how you feel emotionally and mentally.
Many people experience a range of feelings, including:
- Worry or fear about the future
- Low mood, sadness, or feelings of hopelessness
- Anger or frustration about their diagnosis or treatment
- A sense of loss linked to changes in their body, identity, or life plans
- Stress or trauma related to their cancer experience
With the right support, people living with or recovering from cancer can find ways to cope and live well.
Organisations that can help
Macmillan Cancer Support
Macmillan is a leading UK cancer charity. They provide trusted information about different types of cancer, including diagnosis, treatments, and medicines. They also offer practical advice on how cancer can affect your life, along with support for your health and wellbeing.
Macmillan Information and Support Service
This service can help you find local and regional support for people with cancer, as well as for families and carers.
Cancer Services, Fern House, Antrim Hospital, 45 Bush Road, Antrim, BT41 2RL.
- Telephone: 028 9442 4000, extension: 333079
Cancer Care Map
An easy-to-use online tool to help you find cancer support services near you anywhere in the UK.
Macmillan Support Line and Telephone Buddies
If you need someone to talk to, Macmillan offers a free support line and a ‘Telephone Buddies’ service.
- Telephone: 0808 808 00 00 (7 days a week, 8:00am to 8:00pm)
- Sign up for: macmillan.org.uk/telephonebuddies
Cancer Focus Northern Ireland
Offers counselling and support for individuals and families. Services include support groups, art therapy, creative writing groups, and online support.
- Telephone: 028 9066 3281
- Online self-referral is available at Cancer Focus NI.
Action Cancer
Action Cancer is a local charity providing a range of services, including breast screening, skin cancer detection, health checks and counselling and wellbeing programmes.
- Telephone: 028 9080 3344
- Web: Action Cancer
Cancer Lifeline
Cancer Lifeline provides a welcoming space where you can talk about your experience. It offers one-to-one and group support, including counselling, complementary therapies, benefits advice, support groups and stress management and relaxation sessions.
Charis Cancer Care
Offers counselling, as well as holistic and complementary therapies. They also support families, carers, and people who have been bereaved by cancer.
Northern Trust Cancer Services
Read information about Cancer Services in the Northern Health and Social Care Trust.