Navigating Cancer: Your Roadmap to Support with Cancer Card

When faced with a cancer diagnosis, many people find themselves unsure where to turn. The sheer volume of online searches for cancer symptoms and treatments speaks volumes about the fear and uncertainty surrounding this disease. While cancer is often deliberated in our minds and discussed in hushed tones, those diagnosed frequently struggle to find clear guidance and support to help them with all the non-medical things that need to be considered.

At Cancer Card, we understand that receiving a cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming. Many individuals don't know where to begin or which charity or service might best suit their needs.

This is where we step in to make a difference.

We recognise that every cancer journey is unique. That's why we've developed a tailored approach to support not just patients, but also their families, friends, and employers. As the UK's only charity acting as an umbrella for all cancer charities, we don't compete with other organisations - instead, we collaborate to ensure you receive the most appropriate support.

Our services are designed to be accessible and personalised:

1.      Online Directory: Browse our comprehensive list of cancer charities and services from the comfort of your home.

2.      Drop-in Centre: Visit us in person for a friendly chat and personalised guidance.

3.      Telephone Support: Speak with one of our dedicated call handlers who can provide information and connect you with suitable services.

Based in Edinburgh, we're a small charity with a big heart. Our team offers a warm, non-intimidating environment where you'll always find a friendly face or voice ready to assist you.

In addition to connecting you with the right charities and services, we offer our own exclusive support including:

1.      Comfort Box: At Cancer Card, we believe in equality in cancer care. Everyone deserves the same high-quality support from the outset of their treatment. That's why our comfort box is available free of charge to anyone diagnosed with cancer in Scotland. Our comfort box provides high quality, essential items to ease your journey. We're actively seeking funding to extend this service across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

You can apply for a free box, or purchase one as a gift (which helps fund a new box) here.

2.      Digital Helpline: Access support and information from the comfort of your home. You can receive support with setting up online banking, online shopping, booking appointments and so much more. If the person seeking support doesn't have a device - we will get one sent out to you!

You can read more about this service here.

3.      Social Security Scotland Partnership: Our exclusive partnership with Social Security Scotland's Local Delivery service enables us to provide you with the best support in completing your disability benefits application. These applications can be extensive but we can arrange for somebody to come and visit you and ensure you get what you are entitled to. We hope this service will help relive the financial burden for many.

Our founder, Jen Hardy said:

“Having cancer is expensive. Some of our service users have told us that they’ve been forced to decide whether to get the bus to their treatment session or eat that day. That’s horrendous. I started my application for Adult Disability Payment at the beginning of 2018. I couldn’t have done it myself. I was so overwhelmed with cancer and if I was going to live or not."

For more information on this service, click here.

Remember, you're not alone in this journey. Cancer Card is here to help you navigate the complex world of cancer support, ensuring you have access to the resources and services that best meet your unique needs. Whether you're a patient, family member, friend, or employer, we're here to support you every step of the way.

Don't hesitate to reach out - together, we can make your cancer journey a little easier.

www.cancercard.org.uk