Help for family and friends
Family can be an important source of support and strength for people living with cancer. They can provide support every step of the way. But this can cause worry for them. They can experience many of the emotional problems that someone diagnosed with cancer can face including:
- Worry, fear, anxiety and sadness
- Financial concerns
- Concern over changed relationships
- Changed plans for the future, including plans for having a family
- Loneliness
- A changed sense of role and identity

These problems can be made worse if the family member feels they have to put their needs to one side to support the person living with cancer.
Talking openly about feelings and concerns with your friends and family can often help. There are also many sources of support available to the family member, including:
- Calling Macmillan Cancer Support on 0808 808 0000, or accessing information here.
- Contacting a Maggie’s Centre if you have one nearby.
- Finding emotional support services for carers through the NHS.
- Or contact carer organisations, such as Carers UK or, if you are a young carer, the Carers Trust.