Find the words to talk about cancer

While men represent 52% of cancer cases, only 38% of the calls to the Macmillan Support Line come from men. This means men are missing out on getting the support they need. We need to get more men talking about cancer and seeking support.

It's not easy to talk about cancer, but it could help

Through our Find the Words campaign we want to encourage more men living with cancer to talk about their experience and seek support.

Find the words with Macmillan

Call the Macmillan Support Line for free* on 0808 239 3759. We're open, 7 days a week, 8am to 8pm.

Why it's important to talk

Colin MacFarlane, actor

Colin, 61, was diagnosed with prostate cancer in December 2022, nine months after his brother was also diagnosed with the same cancer.

 

“I think most men try to ‘stay strong and silent’, but it’s important for other men to see that it’s ok to let your guard down and show anxiety and fear. Vulnerability is a strength not a weakness.”

 

Actor Colin MacFarlane talks about his prostate cancer diagnosis.
Actor Colin MacFarlane talks about his prostate cancer diagnosis.

Merlin Griffiths, First Dates star

Merlin, 48, was diagnosed with bowel cancer in September 2021. He has been undergoing treatment after a stage 3C, T4 tumour was found in his rectum.

 

“The biggest thing you have to realise is that when you bottle it up, whether symptoms or diagnosis, you might think in your head you’re okay, but people will notice that you’re actually not. You will literally feel a burden unloaded once you let it out. Even if it is just one or two people you talk to.”

 

Merlin, First Dates star talks about his bowel cancer diagnosis
Merlin, First Dates star talks about his bowel cancer diagnosis

Tom Daley, Olympic gold-medallist and television personality

Tom opens up about losing his father to a brain tumour in 2011 aged 40, when Tom was just 17 years old.

 

"We know men find it difficult to talk but honestly it has been my way of coping. To anyone struggling, I know it’s not easy to talk about cancer, but maybe just try it, it could help."

Tom Daly, Olympic diver talks about his dad dying of a brain tumour.
Tom Daly, Olympic diver talks about his dad dying of a brain tumour.

Global Radio X and ‘Bonehead’ talk about cancer

We're helping men to talk

The Radio 1 mixtape helping men to talk about cancer

Information and resources to help you talk

Answers to common questions