Practical Concerns

Cancer often touches every part life – including some of the more practical areas.

Managing alone  If you’ve been told to self-isolate, because of recent changes or chemotherapy, you may need help with shopping, dog walking or collecting prescriptions. Your local authority may have details of community groups (or search online) or phone the NHS Volunteer Responders on 0808 196 3646. (Find out more.) You can also ask your cancer team, GP or hospice for advice.

Financial advice Cancer can have a major impact on people’s finances, partly because treatment can take a long time. Specialist services offer advice on welfare and benefits, while others offer travel insurance if you want to go on holiday.

Employment advice If you’re working, you may need advice on returning to work or your rights in the workplace. If you’re thinking of retiring after your illness, specialist pensions advisers can support.

Help with daily living You may need help with activities like cooking or dressing – especially if you live alone – and you may be entitled to help with transport to and from hospital.

Pet care There are services that help with walking dogs and that foster cats and dogs while owners are in hospital.

Carer support If you’re caring for someone, there are services to help you, too – for example, with practical tasks. You may also be entitled to some payments or respite care.

End of life When cancer treatment is not successful, legal advisers and end-of-life planning services can guide loved ones through managing personal or financial affairs (such as writing a will or setting up power of attorney), making choices about end-of-life care or organising a funeral.

To find out what’s available in your area, search the map.