Practical & Emotional Wellbeing
Psychological Wellbeing
Being diagnosed and treated for cancer is a very stressful time for patients. Support and advice may be needed for anxiety, stress or depression. There are professionals who can help you through difficult times such as psychologists, counsellors, psychiatrists, chaplains and healthcare professionals (your consultant or specialist nurse). For more information please click on the following links: Macmillan - Emotional Effects Teenage Cancer Trust - FeelingsSome cancer treatments can have an adverse effect on your fertility and complicate pregnancy. To find out more about male and female fertility issues on the Teenage Cancer Trust website, click here
Physiotherapy
Some cancer patients find that physiotherapy and exercise can make a difference to how they feel. Advice on improving physical problems and exercise can be accessed through a Physiotherapist as an in-patient or out-patient. Click here to read: The importance of physical activity
occupational health
The Occupational Health service can offer advice and assistance with the physical and psychological affects of cancer, such as: anxiety management, fatigue management, functional activities like cooking and helping you to manage at home. Advice on self-care e.g. washing and dressing, equipment and adaptations (to help with independence e.g. using a wheelchair) can be accessed through an Occupational Therapist. Read more information: Occupational Health
Hair Loss
Certain types of cancer treatment can cause partial hair loss or thinning, or can cause people to lose hair from all over their body. Radiotherapy causes hair loss on the site of treatment whereas chemotherapy drugs have varying effects. If you decide you would like to wear a wig, you may find it helpful to visit a wig specialist before your cancer treatment to help match your hair colour and style. More information on hair loss
Speech & Language Therapy
Having treatment for some types of head and neck cancers can affect your speech or ability to speak. The following links provide some information and advice: Changes in SpeechChanges to Speech - Head & Neck cancer
Nutrition & Dietetics
Some patients need advice on what to eat and drink when going through treatment of after treatment. Dieticians can help to treat symptoms such as loss of appetite, weight loss, nausea and vomiting, constipation or diarrhoea. More information
Returning to School, College or Work
Teenage Cancer Trust have put some information and advice together for people who are finding the thought of returning to school, college or work daunting. Returning to school; Return to work
Financial Issues
There is a benefit for people aged 16 -64 called the Personal Independence Payment (PIP). This benefit is available to people who have a health condition, whether in or out of work. The benefit is there to help you live as independently as possible and deal with any extra costs that can often come with having a health condition. Find out more about PIP
CLIC Sargent information on financial matters for 16 - 24 year olds
Information on government benefits and charity grants
Information on Childcare, if you are a parent or carer.
Housing and homelessness information
Macmillan offer financial advice