A Macmillan nurse is a nurse who has expert knowledge about cancer and is trained to help people with cancer and their families. A Macmillan nurse can:
- explain the best way to control pain and other symptoms
- give advice about cancer treatments and how to cope with side effects
- provide emotional support
- offer practical help, including advice on benefits and other financial matters.
Macmillan nurses meet with people as soon as possible after a cancer diagnosis and offer help and support for as long as it is needed. The services Macmillan nurses provide are free of charge to anyone affected by cancer.
There are around 2900 Macmillan nurses. Most of them are based in the community and see patients at home but some work in hospitals or hospices. They are called Macmillan nurses because the charity Macmillan Cancer Support fund new Macmillan nurse posts for sometime before the NHS takes over their funding.
If you would like to see a Macmillan nurse your GP or your hospital medical team can arrange this for you.