Cancer Information Nurse Specialist
Our cancer information nurse specialists are dedicated cancer nurses available for people affected by cancer to talk to on our Macmillan Cancer Support Line.
On this page
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How our cancer information nurse specialists can help you
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How to contact a cancer information nurse specialist
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Language interpreters and options if you are Deaf or hard of hearing
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Preparing for your call
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Online help with cancer questions
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Other ways our support line can help
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About our information
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How we can help
How our cancer information nurse specialists can help you
Cancer information nurse specialists are experienced cancer nurses who work on the Macmillan Cancer Support Line and give advice and support to people affected by cancer. This includes people supporting someone with cancer.
“I called the Macmillan helpline and talked to one of the cancer nurses for quite some time... it was just nice to say, ‘I’m lost, I don’t know what’s going on, can I just offload? Claire
Our cancer information nurse specialists can help you to understand information about diagnosis and treatment. They offer personalised support and can answer any questions you might have. These include:
- your cancer diagnosis and treatment
- tests and monitoring
- cancer risks, causes and prevention
- symptoms of cancer
- side effects
- what you might expect at end of life
- prognosis for your cancer type
- coping with grief.
How to contact a cancer information nurse specialist
You can talk to a cancer information nurse specialist by calling the Macmillan Support Line.
Most people call the Macmillan Support Line on 0808 808 00 00 as it can be easier to discuss your situation in real time with a nurse. When you call you will hear a set of options to direct you to the right service.
You can also chat to us online. When chat is open you will see a 'Chat to us' icon at the bottom right of your screen. Click this to start the service. You will be asked a few questions to direct you to the best service to support you.
If you prefer to email us with questions, please complete our online form. All emails are answered during opening hours and we will reply within 2 working days.
Language interpreters and options if you are Deaf or hard of hearing
We have interpreters available on our support line if you would like to speak to someone in a different language. Please state the language you need (in English) when you phone.
If you are Deaf or hard of hearing you can chat online, or visit the Macmillan Support Line page for details about using text relay or arranging a British Sign Language interpreter.
Preparing for your call
Before you contact the support line it's helpful to have details of your questions at hand and have something to take notes with. This can include any information you have been given so far about diagnosis and treatments, including drugs or surgery.
We understand that there is a lot to take in. When it's appropriate, our team will email you, or write to you after the call and send you a summary of the call along with any relevant links and resources.
Online help with cancer questions
- We have lots of information about cancer types, diagnostic tests and treatments on our website.
- We have information about the possible impacts of cancer on your emotions and physical health as well as your work and finances.
- You can join our Online Community where you can chat anonymously with experts and people in a similar situation to yours.
Booklets and resources
Other ways our support line can help
We know that cancer can impact all aspects of our lives. Our support line is made up of specialist teams who can help you with:
- Emotional and practical support if you or someone you know has been diagnosed with cancer. 7 days a week, 8am to 8pm.
- Questions about money and cancer or energy bills. Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm.
- Welfare rights advice, for information about benefits. Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm, Saturday to Sunday, 9am to 5pm.
- Questions about work, or if you're self-employed. Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm
To contact any of our teams call the Macmillan Support Line for free on 0808 808 00 00, chat online, or email us and you will be given the options and opening times for each team.
About our information
This information has been produced by Macmillan's Digital Content Editor team and reviewed by Macmillan's Direct Services team.
Learn more about how we produce our cancer information.