Macmillan 1-2-1 Support Service

06 August 2013 Written by Leanne Hall

In my role as Macmillan Complex Case Manager I work with our Macmillan Community Nurse to support patients following the end of their cancer treatment, a time when some feel most vulnerable.

Within the One to One Support Team we see a wide variety of patients at different points in their cancer journey requiring very different support needs...

Malik is 28 years old and unable to work due to testicular cancer treatment, was missing his young family in Poland and unable to pay his rent or buy food. With our support he was able to access debt management support, charitable grants and the food bank and was emotionally supported to reach a decision about returning home to his family

55 year old Karen had finished treatment for ovarian cancer but had lots of unanswered questions. Following our input, Karen felt empowered to start asking questions about her cancer, alleviating some of her fears, and was able to start making positive lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of recurrence like losing weight and stopping smoking.

78 year old Betty was limited by fatigue following breast cancer treatment and was feeling isolated. With the support of the team she was able to use techniques to manage her fatigue and she was able to start visiting friends again.

So far, we have supported 34 patients following their cancer treatment and have seen significant improvements in quality of life, with the majority of people achieving their goals, but we are keen to help more.

Currently 2 million people are living with cancer in the UK; by 2030 this will be 4 million. 50,000 people are living with 1 or more physical or psychosocial consequence of cancer or its treatment.

The burden of cancer does not end when treatment does - 53% of people will still be living with a moderate or severe unmet health need six months after treatment. These range from physical needs pain, fatigue or incontinence; psychological, such as depression, anxiety or body image issues, or social consequences such as reliance on a carer or being unable to work, and many more.

We believe no-one should have to face the burden of cancer alone and everyone should have access to the support they need to manage the physical, emotional and practical consequences of cancer and its treatment. This is why we are involved in piloting community based support for cancer survivors.

If you would like to discuss a referral to our service, phone us on 07920 833 641 or e-mail [email protected]

Last modified on Tuesday, 06 August 2013 16:35
 
 

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