The new award was created following the merger of Macmillan Cancer Support and CancerBackup and was named after the founder of CancerBackup, Vicky Clement Jones. It recognises Macmillan volunteers who have, or have had, cancer themselves and who make a significant difference to the lives of people affected by cancer. Madeleine has played a key role as a Macmillan volunteer over the past eight years in providing information, support and training to cancer patients, carers and professionals.

The staff and Management Committee of Cancer Choices were on hand to see the award being presented and are delighted with the news. Oliver Molloy, Development Manager of Cancer Choices explained, “the time and effort which Madeleine has put in to helping others over the years has been tremendous. The organisation is extremely proud of the work she has done and of course how she has helped develop Cancer Choices as a cancer support organisation. We want to congratulate Madeleine and thank her on behalf of the many individuals whom she has worked with over the years.

This award is a huge vote of confidence in the work of Madeleine and Cancer Choices. One of the key aspects of our work here is the availability of cancer related information and resources which I think is very fitting given the link to Vicky Clement Jones and CancerBackup. To receive the award in it’s inaugural year is even more exciting and highlights the high regard in which Madeleine is held.”

Ask the hospital staff how long you may be expected to wait for results, and remember that asking questions about the tests can help you to feel more in control. You can also contact your local Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS), for details of the length of time you can expect to wait.

It can take courage to go to your GP to have symptoms checked out and going for tests can be a worrying time as you wait for results. You may have more than one type of test, depending on the part of the body being investigated and the most common tests are listed on our Cancerbackup website. Be sure to ask as many questions as you want, and don’t be afraid to ask again if you’re not fully clear on the answers. Asking questions [PDF, 32kb] can help you to get important information about any tests for which you have been referred.

If you need extra support at this difficult time, there are people and organisations who you can talk to even before it is confirmed whether or not you have cancer. Call Cancerline on freephone 0808 808 2020 (Mon – Fri 9am – 9pm) to answer any questions you may have.

There is no clear-cut list of symptoms, as the symptoms vary for different kinds of cancer. You can read about the most common ones on our Cancerbackup site. If you are concerned about symptoms, ask for advice from your family doctor or the nurse in your local health centre.

During our lifetimes, one in every three of us will be diagnosed with cancer, but cancer is rare in children and young people. Two-thirds of people diagnosed with cancer are aged over 65 years. Many people are cured of cancer. If a cure is not possible, many people with cancer can live for a long time if they have effective treatment. There are over 200 types of cancer, and we have  information on the 50 most common types.

Find out about the main types of cancer or get further information about cancer.

Cancer is not a single disease with a single cause or type of treatment. All cancers involve abnormal growth of cells, and this section will help explain what happens before a cancer diagnosis.

Coping with cancer

Most people feel overwhelmed when they are told that they have cancer. A diagnosis of cancer often provokes intense feelings, including loss of control, fear, anger, guilt, depression, anxiety and loneliness. These emotions are part of the process that many people go through in dealing with their illness.

After being diagnosed you might be very keen to find out as much as possible about your cancer and the urge to get the information quickly can be overwhelming. Talking through your situation can help you identify the questions you will want to ask your local medical team, and you can get more in-depth information on the Cancerbackup site as a good starting off point. Finding out more about your illness can help you to feel more in control of your situation.

As you start to live with cancer it helps to try to take ‘one step at a time’, and to set small achievable goals. This can encourage you to feel that there are still some things that remain within your control.

Share your worries and concerns

Talking about cancer can be the first step towards dealing with it and can help to relieve some of the anxiety. For some people, discussing their worries and fears with the people closest to them can be difficult, as they worry that they may become a burden. Others may be concerned about the impact a diagnosis of cancer may have on their relationships. For more information on talking to your partner about cancer, visit the Cancerbackup site.

If you don’t feel ready to discuss your illness with a friend or relative there are many other ways to talk. It might be a good time to telephone a support and information helpline or visit your local information and support service. Contacting a cancer self help and support group, and talking to someone who has been through the same experience can also be supportive. Or you could talk, or just listen, to other people affected by cancer in one of many online communities.

Adjusting to living with your diagnosis, and facing some of the emotions that you have, will help you through this difficult time. There are often many changes to be made and you may feel grief as a result of these changes, but there is help available for you and your family and friends.

Each therapy is provided by a fully qualified therapist who has undergone additional training in order to work with cancer patients. Cancer Choices currently offer four free sessions of complementary therapy to each client, covering reflexology, aromatherapy and massage.

An appointment can only be made by contacting the Cancer Choices office. We also request that clients inform their GP of the appointments by way of a GP referral letter which is provided from our office.

Clients are asked to provide early notice when an appointment is being cancelled in order to allow that slot to be allocated to another person.