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Cancer support groups

Find support by talking to others.

"When we talked it was such a wonderful feeling, a relief almost, that someone else was feeling the way I did."

Bharti Patel, London

Find out how to join a group

Being told you have cancer, or that your cancer has returned can leave you feeling shocked, upset and very isolated. There are so many questions to be answered and so many feelings to deal with. Talking to someone who has been through the same thing can really help. 

Group on a sofaEven if you are lucky enough to have a wonderfully supportive family and friends, unless they have had cancer themselves, it can be difficult for them to understand exactly what you're going through. You may want to protect them from facts and feelings that may frighten or upset them.

Macmillan supports over 900 independent cancer self help and support groups and organisations across the UK. By joining a group you can spend time with people who share and understand your experience or who have dealt with it in the past. It is an opportunity for you to talk about your deepest concerns and know they will be met with acceptance and understanding. This simple act of sharing can make an enormous difference to the way you feel.

 
 

How do I find a group? 

Search for Cancer support groups

View all groups

You can search by selecting your county to see all the groups in your area, or narrow your search by using a town or specific keywords, eg: 'breast', 'bowel' or 'complementary therapy'. Please note: Postcodes will not return a search.

The information in this online directory is provided by the groups and organisations themselves. They are all independent of Macmillan so we are unable to guarantee the level of support they offer or take responsibility for the information they provide.

 
 
 
 

How can Macmillan help?

  • Register your group with us to be included in our online directory.
  • You can order any of our publications or information factsheets for free on be.Macmillan
  • We can provide grants and training to help set up new groups and offer support to established groups. To find out more about our grants programme please contact the Inclusion Team at: resources@macmillan.org.uk
  • Find out what a cancer support group can offer
  • For more information on self help and support groups please contact Cancerline on freephone 0808 808 2020 (Mon-Fri 9am - 8pm)
 
 
 
 

Who else can I talk to?

Two men taking tea and talkingTalking to someone can be the first step towards feeling better. Whether you want to talk face-to-face, on the phone or online, Macmillan can help.

  • For confidential, free advice and practical support, call us on 0808 808 2020 (Mon-Fri 9am-8pm)
  • For questions about cancer types and treatments call our nurse specialists on freephone 0808 800 1234 (on-Fri, 9am-8pm)
  • Talk to other people affected by cancer in our online communities
  • Visit one of our information and support centres or find out when our mobile information centres will be in your area.