Counselling and emotional support

Many patients, carers and families find that good support is essential when faced with a cancer diagnosis.

However, many find it hard to talk. Cancerbackup have produced a book Lost for Words - How to talk to someone with cancer.

There are a number of different sources of support which are available, it is important that patients ask their key worker if they need more help either as additional information about their cancer and its treatment, advice on practical issues, such as money matters, or how to contact a local support group.

There are other books that might be useful.

In The Human Side of Cancer, Jimmie C. Holland, M.D., of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, explore the broad range of emotions people with cancer and their loved ones experience from the moment of diagnosis through the treatment and its aftermath.

They describe and offer some ideas for looking after yourself.

Cancer Journey is a new local charity working in partnership with local healthcare providers and national cancer charities such as Macmillan Cancer Support. "We come from all walks of life, what unites us is that we have all had our own cancer journey so we understand the need."