General cancer organisations

• Using this page
• Cancer Research UK information and support
• Cancer support and information organisations
• Finance and disability organisations
• Women's cancer organisations
• Young people's cancer information and support
• Help with relationships and sexuality
• General medical organisations
• Bereavement organisations
• Information for people with learning disability
• Rare cancers

The websites on cancer listed on this page are valuable sources of detailed information on cancer. They may use more technical terms, longer 'pages' and fewer images than CancerHelp UK. When you go to any of these sites you will be leaving CancerHelp UK. To come back to CancerHelp UK you will need to use the BACK button or arrow at the top of your screen.

We have information about counselling organisations in the counselling section.

Cancer Research UK
P.O. Box 123
London
WC2A 3PX
Admin phone number: 020 7242 0200
http://www.cancerresearchuk.org

Cancer Research UK is the largest cancer research organisation in the world, outside the USA. We are the European leader in the development of new anti-cancer drugs. We fund research on all aspects of the disease from its causes, to treatment and prevention, education and psychological support for patients.

Cancer Research UK is also committed to producing high quality information for people affected by cancer, health professionals and the general public. We do this through our websites CancerHelp UK, News and resources and through our range of health awareness leaflets.

If you have a question about cancer, and you are in the UK or Ireland, you can contact our team of specialist cancer information nurses using this form, or by telephoning 020 7061 8355 or freephone 0808 800 40 40.

Action Cancer
1 Marlborough Park
Belfast
BT9 6XS
Phone: 028 9080 3344
Fax: 028 9080 3356
Website: www.actioncancer.org
Email: info@actioncancer.org

Action Cancer is a local charity committed to fighting cancer since 1973. Action Cancer has a full-time clinic and mobile unit for early detection and screening and offers one-to-one counselling. Services are free. Action Cancer also funds a leading research team at Queen's University and the University of Ulster.

Cancer Chat discussion forum
Cancer Research UK will soon be launching a free online discussion forum for people affected by cancer. Cancer Chat will be a safe space to talk to other people in similar situations, and find information and support. The forum will launch in late June 2008. If you would like more information, please go to www.cancerchat.org.uk.

CancerVOICES
This is a UK wide network of people affected by cancer, supported by Macmillan Cancer Support. CancerVOICES can help you use your experience of cancer to help shape the future of cancer care. This might be through getting involved in local or national groups or taking part in surveys or research.

GaysCan
Helpline : 020 8368 9027 (10am to 7pm, except Sundays)
Email: gayscan@blotholm.org.uk

A UK helpline and email address that gives information and support to gay men living with cancer, their partners, families and friends.

Macmillan Cancer Support
Head Office
89 Albert Embankment
London
SE1 7UQ
Cancer Nurses: 0808 800 1234
Macmillan CancerLine: 0808 808 2020 (Mon to Fri, 9am to 9pm; information available in other languages)
Benefits advice (for enquiries about money matters): 0800 989 500 (Mon to Fri, 8am to 8pm)
Textphone: 0808 808 0121
Email: cancerline@macmillan.org.uk
Website: www.macmillan.org.uk

Macmillan Cancer Support provides care and support for people with cancer at every stage of their illness through Macmillan nurses, Macmillan doctors, and a programme of financial help for patients in need. It offers information, advice and emotional support to cancer patients and their families. It has publications about the main types of cancer, treatments and ways of living with cancer. There is also a freephone telephone and letter information service, provided by a team of specialist cancer nurses, on all aspects of cancer and treatment. Their benefits advice line offers advice on financial matters generally.

Maggie's Cancer Caring Centres
The Stables
Western General Hospital
Crewe Road
Edinburgh
EH4 2XU
Tel: 0141 341 5675
Email: enquiries@maggiescentres.org
Website: www.maggiescentres.org/maggies/maggiescentres/home/home.html

Maggie’s Centres in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee, Highlands, Fife and Charing Cross Hospital, London, offer care and support to people affected by cancer. Each Centre is beside an NHS cancer hospital and is run by professional, specialist staff who can discuss any aspect of cancer. You can join a support group, take part in weekly sessions like relaxation and stress management or learn about nutrition and health. Or you can just visit to have a cup of tea, a biscuit and a friendly chat.

Marie Curie Cancer Care
Head Office
89, Albert Embankment
London
SE1 7TP
Phone: 020 7599 7777
Website: www.mariecurie.org.uk

Runs 10 centres (hospices) throughout the UK, and a nationwide Marie Curie nursing service, providing hands-on care for patients in their own homes throughout the day or night, free of charge.

Mywavelength.com website
This is a free, web-based support network where you can get in touch with other people who have the same cancer type as you or your relative or friend. Just click the link, choose 'C' for cancer and choose the cancer type you are interested in from the list. You can join the network and post a message asking other people to contact you through the site. The network is safe and confidential. People can only contact you through mywavelength.com - they will not be given your email address.

National Cancer Institute
This is a detailed American site with information for both people with cancer and health professionals.

Penny Brohn Cancer Care (formerly the Bristol Cancer Help Centre)
Chapel Pill Lane
Pill
Bristol
BS20 0HH
Helpline: 0845 123 23 10 (Mon to Fri, 9.30am to 5pm)
Switchboard: 01275 370 100
Website: www.pennybrohncancercare.org
Email: helpline@pennybrohn.org
Provides a programme of complementary care - The Bristol Approach - to people with cancer and their loved ones.

Tak Tent Cancer Support Scotland
Flat 5, 30 Shelley Court,
Gartnavel Complex
Glasgow
G12 0YN
Phone: 0141 211 0122 (resource/information centre)
Website: www.taktent.org.uk
Email: tak.tent@care4free.net
Offers information, support, education and care for cancer patients, their relatives and friends, and health professionals. Network of support groups throughout Scotland.

Tenovus, the cancer charity
43 The Parade
Cardiff
CF24 3AB
Phone: 02920 482 000
Freephone helpline 0808 808 10 10
Website: www.tenovus.com
Provides an information service on all aspects of cancer, and practical and emotional support for cancer patients and their families. Freephone Cancer Helpline staffed by nurses, social worker and counsellor. Drop-in Tenovus cancer information at Velindre Hospital, Cardiff CF14 2TL.

The Ulster Cancer Foundation
40-44 Eglantine Avenue
Belfast
BT9 6DX
Phone: 0800 783 3339 (helpline)
Phone: 028 9066 3281 (admin)
Website: www.ulstercancer.org
Email: info@ulstercancer.org
Provides a cancer information helpline, information and resource centre, public and professional education. Rehabilitation programmes and support groups for patients and relatives.

BBC Education
This is a well written site with basic cancer information, but with a lot of other information on how to use health services, such as getting second opinions and patient rights.

Best Treatments
This site provides infromation about many medical conditions, including some common cancers. All information is based on published evidence and the site includes references for all its information.

Health talk Online website
The cancer section of this website contains video and audio clips of people with the main types of cancer, so that you can share in their stories.
There is an adult cancer section at www.healthtalkonline.org/Cancer, a teenage cancer section at www.youthhealthtalk.org/,and a section about taking part in clinical trials at www.healthtalkonline.org/medical_research/clinical_trials

Department for Work and Pensions
Benefits Enquiry Line (BEL)
Phone: 0800 882200
Textphone for those with hearing difficulties: 0800 243355
Website: www.dwp.gov.uk

This is an advice and information line for disabled people and carers about benefits and how to claim them. You can also get benefits advice from the Citizens Advice Bureau or Social Services. Both have local offices - contact details are in your local phone book.

Assist UK
Redbank House
4 St Chad's Street
Manchester
M8 8QA
Phone: 0870 770 2866
Fax: 0870 770 2867
Email: general.info@assist-uk.org
Website: http://www.assist-uk.org

Give free and impartial information and advice about products to make everyday living easier for people with disability. You can see and try out equipment at 48 disabled living centres throught the UK.

Essential Aids.com
This is an online shop for daily living aids for the disabled community, the elderly or those who look after people with mobility difficulties.

MedicAlert
1 Bridge Wharf
156 Caledonian Road
London
N1 9UU
Freephone: 0800 581420
Email: info@medicalert.org.uk
Website: www.medicalert.org.uk/
This registered charity provides ID jewellery engraved with your medical condition and a 24 hour telephone number to call in the event of an emergency. The jewellery starts at around £20 per bracelet.

The Royal College of Psychiatrists
17 Belgrave Square
London
SW1X 8PG
Phone: 020 7235 2351
Website: http://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/
Email: rcpsych@rcpsych.ac.uk
Has a range of highly recommended leaflets covering topics such as 'Depression', 'Anxiety and Phobias', 'Sleep Problems' and 'Bereavement'. You can download these leaflets from their website.

Look Good Feel Better
West Hill House
32 West Hill
Epsom
Surrey
KT19 8JD
Tel: 01372 747 500
Fax: 01372 747 502
E-mail: info@lgfb.co.uk
Website : http://www.lookgoodfeelbetter.co.uk

A charity set up by the cosmetics industry. Volunteer beauty therapists provide skincare and make up workshops for women undergoing cancer treatment. All guests are provided with a goodie bag. It has been running for 12 years and workshops are held in 40 hospitals across the UK. Find your nearest workshop and read more about the work of the charity on their website.

The Daisy Network
PO Box 183
Rossendale
BB4 6WZ
Email: daisy@daisynetwork.org.uk
Website: www.daisynetwork.org.uk
A free and confidential service for women who have had an early menopause.

Women's Health Concern
Whitehall House
41 Whitehall
London
SW1A 2BY
Helpline: 0845 123 2319 (Mon and Tues 10am to 2pm, and Wed to Fri 10am to 1pm)
Website: www.womens-health-concern.org
Email: info@womens-health-concern.org
Organisation that provides information about many women's health issues. Can give personalised advice on menopause problems and hormone replacement therapy. Professional counselling available. Produces booklets on a range of subjects including hormone replacement therapy, menopause, hysterectomy and ovarian cysts.

Teen Info on Cancer - TIC
TIC is a website providing information for teenagers affected by cancer. It is run and maintained by Cancerbackup. It offers advice and support on how to cope with cancer, and the chance to share experiences of cancer with other teenagers.

Riprap
This site offers support to chidren between 12 and 16 who have a parent with cancer. There is a forum to share experiences and information obtained by clicking a brown button labelled 'curious'.

Siblinks
This is a support network for people between 13 and 25 who have a family member with cancer. Their phone number is 07713 082797. They also have forums on the site.

The Youth Cancer Trust
Tel: 01202 763591
Email: admin@yct.org.uk
Website: http://www.yct.org.uk

The Youth Cancer Trust provides free holidays to young cancer patients between the ages of 14 to 30 attending any hospital in the UK or Irish Republic, subject to approval from their doctor. Young people are invited to spend a few days with other guests of a similar age and situation at Tracy Anne House in Bournemouth. They can come in groups up to eight and bring a brother, sister or a friend. The emphasis is on a relaxed, carefree and fun holiday, allowing a few days away from hospitals. The groups choose the activities they would like to do, making this their special holiday.

Relate
Central Office: Premier House
Carolina Court
Lakeside
Doncaster
DN4 5RA
Phone: 0845 456 1310 (lo-call)
Website: www.relate.org.uk
Email: enquiries@relate.org.uk

Offers private and confidential counselling, and psychosexual therapy to help with relationship problems.

British Association for Sexual and Relationship Therapy
PO Box 13686
London
SW20 9ZH
Telephone: 020 8543 2707
Website: www.basrt.org.uk
Email: info@basrt.org.uk
Provides information about what help and therapy is available for sexual difficulties.

Sexual Dysfunction Association
Suite 301, Emblem House
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street
London
SE1 2PR
Telephone 0870 774 3571
Website www.sda.uk.net
Email: info@sda.uk.net
Information on sexual problems that can affect men and women. They provide lists of local specialist practitioners, as well as factsheets on problems such as erectile dysfunction (impotence).

The Prostate Cancer Charity
First Floor
Cambridge House
100 Cambridge Grove
Hammersmith
London
W6 0LE
Website: www.prostate-cancer.org.uk/
Helpline: 0800 074 8383 (Mon to Fri, 10am to 4pm, Wed, 7pm to 9pm)
This organisation provides a telephone helpline staffed by nurses. They can give you information and advice on all aspects of prostate cancer, including erectile dysfunction (impotence).

NHS Direct
Phone: 0845 46 47
Website: www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk/
Information and advice on all aspects of health and treatment for people in England and Wales. 24 hour telephone line, run by nurses.

NHS 24
Phone: 08454 24 24 24
Website: www.nhs24.com
Confidential telephone health advice and information service for people in Scotland.

The Medical Advisory Service (MAS)
PO Box 3087
London
W4 4ZP
Phone: 020 8994 9874 (Mon to Fri, 6pm to 8pm)
Men's Health Helpline: 020 8995 4448 (Mon only 7pm to 9pm)
Website: www.medicaladvisoryservice.org.uk
Email: info@medicaladvisoryservice.org.uk
This organisation provides a telephone helpline staffed by nurses. They can give you information and advice on medical problems, including erectile dysfunction (impotence).

Compassionate Friends
53 North Street
Bristol
BS3 1EN
Helpline: 0845 123 2304 (Daily 10am to 4pm, and 6.30pm to 10.30pm)
Email (helpline): helpline@tcf.org.uk
Website: www.tcf.org.uk
Admin: 0845 120 3785
Fax: 0845 120 3786
Email (general enquiries): info@tcf.org.uk
A nationwide organisation of bereaved parents offering friendship and understanding to other bereaved parents after the death of a son or daughter from any cause whatsoever. Personal and group support. Quarterly newsletter. Postal library and range of leaflets. Support for bereaved siblings and grandparents. Befriending rather than counselling. Punjabi, Hindi and Urdu are spoken.

The Child Bereavement Charity
Aston House
West Wycombe
High Wycombe
Bucks
HP14 3AG
Helpline: 01494 446648
Email: support@childbereavement.org.uk
Website: www.childbereavement.org.uk
This organisation has a range of resources to support bereaved families, including booklets, leaflets and books. There is a section on their website with information about dying and bereavement for young people. Also has a forum for people to share experiences.

Daisy's dream
PO Box 4738
Twyford
Reading
Berkshire
RG10 9GT
Tel: 0118 934 2604
Website: http://www.daisysdream.org.uk
Provides information for families and children when someone close to them has died. There is a useful booklist and information sheets to download, including 'Talking to children about death', 'Talking about funerals' and 'Bereaved teenagers'.

Cruse Bereavement Care
PO Box 800
Richmond
Surrey
TW9 1RG
Administration Tel: 020 8939 9530
Day by Day Helpline 0844 477 9400
Email: helpline@cruse.org.uk
Website: www.crusebereavementcare.org.uk
Cruse Bereavement Care exists to promote the well-being of bereaved people and to enable anyone bereaved by death to understand their grief and cope with their loss. The organisation provides support and offers information, advice, education and training services.

Cruse's Youth Involvement Project
Freephone helpline: 0808 808 1677 - open Monday to Friday, 9.30 to 5.30
Email: info@rd4u.org.uk
Website: www.rd4u.org.uk (stands for 'Road for you').
Cruse Bereavement Care's Youth Involvement Project aims to support young people after the death of someone close. The website has a message board and forum.

People with learning disabilities may gain better understanding from pictures, rather than text. The following organisations provide materials that can help.

Royal College of Psychiatrists
This link will take you to the 'Books Beyond Words' section of the Royal College's website. This is a range of picture booklets on specific issues eg Getting on with cancer, 'When Mum died', 'When Dad died' and 'When someone died'.

British Institute of Learning Difficulties (BILD)
This organisation has factsheets on how to communicate with children with learning disabilities.

Rarer Cancers Forum
The Rarer Cancers Forum website has several message boards so people with less common or rarer cancers can get in touch with each other. Friends and families of people with rarer cancers can also use the message boards to share their experiences, give support or get advice from people in similar situations. The website also offers general advice and information.

Jo's Friends - Cancer of Unknown Primary (CUP) Foundation
A charitable support and information website for people with unknown primary cancer, and their carers. CUP also aims to raise awareness and undertake, promote and support research. There is information about uknown primary cancer, its treatment and research, and a message board where you can talk to others with unknown primary cancer.