A man and woman sitting in the garden with their two children, a boy standing behind them and a girl with her arms around the man

Supporting someone with cancer

If your partner, family member, friend or colleague has cancer, there can be a lot to think about. You might be a carer, or just want to help. We have information to help you with the practical, emotional and financial impacts of supporting someone with cancer.

Rising household bills
We know that cancer can be tough on your finances. You may also be worried about rises to energy bills and other costs of living. There is support available.
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Looking after someone with cancer
Get information and support if you need help looking after someone with cancer. If you're a carer giving unpaid support, find out what help is available.
Practical support for carers

If you are caring for someone with cancer, you may have to manage different practical issues. Find out more about getting support to help you cope.

Emotional support for carers

Caring for someone with cancer can be a difficult time. Get support to help you look after yourself, and to manage your feelings and relationships.
Emotional support for family and friends

When someone close to you has been diagnosed with cancer, you may find you have many different feelings. Get information to help you support your loved one.
Financial support for carers
If you are supporting someone with cancer, you may have a change in your financial situation. Find out more about getting support and advice.
Being a young carer

Get information and support if you are under the age of 18 and help look after someone with cancer.

Employers
Macmillan at Work provides information, training and resources for employers to help them support staff affected by cancer.
If the person you care for is dying
Caring for someone who is dying can be an upsetting and emotional time. We have information about what to expect at the end of life, and where to get support.
Loss and bereavement

If your partner, relative or friend has died, you may find it hard to cope with your emotions and the practical things you have to do. We have information to help you cope with some of the feelings or questions you may have.
Working while caring for someone

You are a carer if you give any unpaid help or support to someone with cancer who could not manage without your help. Balancing working and caring can be difficult.
FAQs about working while caring for someone with cancer
If you are caring for someone with cancer you may find it difficult to balance work and caring. Here we have some answers to frequently asked questions.
Taking a break from caring (respite care)
It is important to take a break from caring sometimes. This means letting someone else care for the person you look after for a while.

More help with supporting someone

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How we can help

Call us on 0808 808 00 00
8am to 8pm. It's free to call from landlines and mobiles within the UK.
Email us
Get in touch via this form
Chat online
Every day 8am - 8pm.
Online Community

Chat online anonymously to others who understand what you are going through. Our community is available 24/7 and has dedicated forums where you can get advice and ask our experts.
Sign up for our monthly emails
Do you have cancer or are you supporting someone who has? Fill in our form to receive monthly emails with information, news and updates to help you.
Translations and other formats
We provide information in different languages and other formats, including audiobooks, Braille, BSL, easy read booklets. You can also request information in any language or format.