Macmillan's Wellbeing Hub

Welcome to the Macmillan Wellbeing Hub, a dedicated page with expert self-care advice if you have cancer or are supporting someone who does. Whether it’s mind, body or relationship advice, you can trust us to help you find what you need to start feeling confident, comfortable and in control. Have a browse through and start taking steps to finding your way to better wellbeing.

Eating well and staying active

Find out about the benefits of healthy eating and how to keep active before, during and after cancer treatment.
A woman sitting casually on a bench in a gym
Getting started

Many people find that making the decision to eat healthily and become more active helps give back a sense of control. Take the first steps to better wellbeing today.

A bowl of porridge
Diet and nutrition

A balanced diet will give you enough nutrients to be healthier. Find information on making changes, finding foods that you like and menu ideas.

A photo of a woman wearing an orange vest running outside.
Physical activity

Staying or becoming physically active is safe and can support your physical and mental health. Find out how much is recommended and what’s right for you.

Body and self-care

Understand how changes to your body can affect you emotionally and learn how to cope with the changes that cancer or treatment can bring, along with practical tips for managing those changes and where to get advice.
A woman looking at herself in a mirrorA woman looking at herself in a mirror
Changes to your appearance
Find information to help you cope practically and emotionally with changes to your body and appearance. Find tips and support that could help you develop positive body image.
A woman touching her face as if she's rubbing in moisturiserA woman touching her face as if she's rubbing in moisturiser
Skin and nail care
There are ways you can look after your skin and nails, including if your skin is dry, oily or is affected by rashes, or if your nails break or develop ridges.
Boots Macmillan Beauty Advisors
Boots Macmillan Beauty Advisors are trained to give free face-to-face advice to help you cope with the visible effects of treatment on eyebrows, lashes and skin.

Rest and mental wellbeing

Cancer and treatment stirs up lots of different emotions and there is no right or wrong way to feel. Get tips and information on coping with how you feel, ensuring you get enough rest, and using complementary therapies to support your physical and mental health.
Your emotions
There is no right or wrong way to feel. It’s common to have many different emotions. Find information about coping with how you’re feeling and the help that is available.
A woman tucked up in bed under a duvetA woman tucked up in bed under a duvet
Sleep and rest
If you are having trouble sleeping, find information and tips about how to improve sleep. You can also find out about ways to treat insomnia with behavioural therapies and medications.
A photo of someone laying face down on a massage table. They are having their back massaged.A photo of someone laying face down on a massage table. They are having their back massaged.
Complementary therapies
Complementary therapies can be used alongside conventional medical treatment. They can boost physical and emotional health. Examples are acupuncture, meditation and massage.

Sex and relationships

Find information about managing changes to your relationships with your loved ones, your sexual wellbeing and coping with the impacts of some cancer treatment on fertility.
Two people dancing. They are holding hands and facing away from the camera.
Relationships

You may experience changes to your relationships with friends, family, or your partner. Find tips for communicating with loved ones and ways to get support.

Sexual wellbeing

Your sexual wellbeing may be affected physically, emotionally, or practically. Find information on coping with your feelings about cancer and sex, and tips for how to talk about it.

Fertility

Some treatments can affect your fertility. We have information and answers to some common questions and details about where to get support with fertility decisions.

Talk about sex and cancer

We want to help encourage and support more people to feel confident to have open conversations about sex and cancer. Read unique stories from people on how their cancer diagnosis impacted their sexual wellbeing, get information and support, and find out how you can talk to someone about sex and cancer.

Wellbeing blogs

Read more about ways to care for your wellbeing from our series of blogs.

A close-up woman's hands chopping fresh vegetables
Healthy eating, cancer and the cost of living
With the cost of food and the weekly shop rising, it can make it more challenging to follow healthy eating habits, both during and after cancer treatment. If you are struggling to afford key essentials such as food, there is help available. In this blog, we look at some easy and practical things you can try, as well as where you can get support.
A woman sleeping on the sofa
What to do when you can't sleep: Insomnia and cancer
Sleep disturbance or difficulty sleeping is a common problem for people living with cancer. If you are struggling to get enough sleep, you may be feeling stressed and anxious. You may worry about how you're going to cope the next day, or whether poor sleep might impact your treatment. In this blog, we share advice about coping with insomnia.
Karen's story
Karen was diagnosed with endometrial cancer in January 2020. At the time she was also managing existing health conditions, dealing with bereavement and then covid lockdowns. Here she shares how exercise made a real difference.
Woman sitting on bench wearing cream jumper smiling away from camera.
Krista's cancer story

Krista’s persona was based on health and wellbeing, she explains how this all changed when she was diagnosed with cancer. With support from Macmillan Krista was able to focus on her wellbeing again. Read about her new passion for music and how she aims to inspire others.

Woman in orange vest out for a run in a park.
Michelle's cancer journey

After completing chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments for breast cancer, Michelle knew she needed some guidance to help build her fitness again. She was determined to return to running marathons like she did before her diagnosis. Read about her fitness journey and making it to the London Marathon.

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