A cancer diagnosis can be frightening and confusing. It helps to have someone who can explain what’s happening and provide support when it’s needed. Our nurses are here to answer any question on any cancer.
In 1985, Vicky Clement-Jones was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. As a doctor herself she was shocked at the lack of good-quality information, advice and support that was available to patients. She was not expected to survive beyond three months, but lived for another five years, during which time she achieved her goal of setting up a national cancer information service.
Twenty years on and our cancer information service is at the very heart of our service. We are able to answer questions on all types of cancer and treatment, with the help of nearly 200 clinical advisers and a comprehensive library of resources that we update daily. We give information on medical, social and psychological issues; practical and financial advice; and emotional support. We can put people in touch with support groups and providers of many other services for people affected by cancer, both locally and nationally.
Our freephone helpline is open every weekday on 0808 800 1234. This year we have extended our helpline hours so it’s now open from 9am until 8pm. This extension was funded by ICAP, the commodities broking firm, and has enabled more people to reach us than ever before.
People can ask us for help in many different ways. Those who prefer a written response can use our email enquiry service. This year we have been able to expand this service, thanks to new technology that has enabled our nurses to increase their hours by working from home. Home-working nurses now answer 15% of all email enquiries.
Anyone affected by cancer can visit one of our nurses at one of our local centres. This year two more local centres have opened in Ipswich and Torquay, taking the total to nine locations across the country.
‘CancerBACUP reassured us, prepared us and gave us the tools to cope.’
Paul Gelernter, father of 8-year-old Theo, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma patient