Emmerdale’s prostate cancer story 

Cain Dingle and his family have their lives turned upside down by Cain’s prostate cancer diagnosis. 

For many people watching Emmerdale, it will be an all too familiar story. If you have been impacted by Cain’s story, Macmillan is here to help. 
A smiling man seated in a pub-style setting, with tables, seating and Macmillan-branded bunting behind him.
A smiling man seated in a pub-style setting, with tables, seating and Macmillan-branded bunting behind him.

Cain Dingle’s prostate cancer diagnosis 

Macmillan is proud to be partnering with much-loved soap Emmerdale on its latest prostate cancer storyline. which will show the reality of what it’s like to receive a cancer diagnosis and go through treatment.

When Cain Dingle is diagnosed, we see how overwhelming it can feel to make decisions about cancer treatment. We also see how lonely a cancer diagnosis can be and how challenging it can feel to talk to those closest to you. The storyline shows the impact a cancer diagnosis can have not only on the person diagnosed, but on their family and friends too.

With almost 3.5 million people living with cancer in the UK, we know Cain’s story will resonate with many Emmerdale viewers and Macmillan is here to help anyone affected.

From trusted cancer information to help you understand a diagnosis, to the Macmillan Support Line and Online Community when you need someone to talk to, find out about the different ways we can help anyone who sees themselves in Cain’s story.

Macmillan and Emmerdale partnership
By partnering with ITV’s Emmerdale, we’re able to bring the realities of prostate cancer into living rooms across the nation. Read our blog about the partnership to learn more about how we're working together.
Learn more

Support if you need someone to talk to 

Talking about your thoughts and feelings may help you cope with the stress, anxiety and difficult feelings that can happen following a cancer diagnosis. Here are some ways you can talk to someone.
A person wearing a pink coat talks on a mobile phone outdoors near water under a blue sky.A person wearing a pink coat talks on a mobile phone outdoors near water under a blue sky.
Home
The Macmillan Support Line offers free and confidential support to people living with cancer, their families, carers and friends.  
A close-up of hands using a laptop on a sofa, with a webpage open on the screen.A close-up of hands using a laptop on a sofa, with a webpage open on the screen.
Online Community
The Online Community is our cancer forum where you can talk to other people with cancer. It's free and open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.   
Three people walk together along a park path with their arms around each other, supported by a green, tree-lined setting.Three people walk together along a park path with their arms around each other, supported by a green, tree-lined setting.
Local support groups
There are local cancer self-help and support groups across the UK where people help each other with emotional and practical support. 
Two people sit at a kitchen table talking, with a bowl of fruit and mugs on the table and a sign with positive messages on the wall behind them.Two people sit at a kitchen table talking, with a bowl of fruit and mugs on the table and a sign with positive messages on the wall behind them.
Macmillan Buddies
Macmillan Buddies are trained volunteers who often have a cancer experience. They can support you with a weekly phone call. 
More emotional help

Information to help you understand a cancer diagnosis 

We have information about different types of cancer, including diagnosis, treatments and drugs, as well as advice to help with the different ways cancer may impact your life.    
Three people sit side by side in a wood‑panelled room. The person in the middle is wearing a green Macmillan lanyard.Three people sit side by side in a wood‑panelled room. The person in the middle is wearing a green Macmillan lanyard.
Prostate cancer
Cain is diagnosed with prostate cancer. Get trusted information about prostate cancer and its symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and side effects.
A person sits in the driver’s seat of a parked car, holding a smartphone and looking at the screen. A person sits in the driver’s seat of a parked car, holding a smartphone and looking at the screen.
Find a cancer type
As well as prostate cancer, we also have detailed information about more than 120 other types of cancer. Find out about different types of cancer, including symptoms, tests and treatment. 
A Macmillan Cancer Support volunteer sits beside someone in a hospital chair, looking at a booklet together.A Macmillan Cancer Support volunteer sits beside someone in a hospital chair, looking at a booklet together.
Cancer treatments
We see Cain worried about starting his treatment. We know it isn't easy. To help you prepare for, we have information about different types of treatment, what to expect, the options available to you and how to cope. 
An adult and two children sit together on a sofa in a living room, talking closely and facing one another.An adult and two children sit together on a sofa in a living room, talking closely and facing one another.
Talking to children and teenagers
Cain struggles to tell his children about his diagnosis. Talking to children and teenagers about cancer can be difficult at times. We have some tips to help you. 
More information about cancer

Support for family and friends

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. Macmillan is here for you.

Two people embrace outside. They are wearing puffer coats, hats and gloves indicating a cold but bright day.Two people embrace outside. They are wearing puffer coats, hats and gloves indicating a cold but bright day.
Information for family and friends
We have information to help you with the practical, emotional and financial impacts of supporting someone with cancer.
A person sits on a sofa at home, holding a smartphone and looking at the screen.A person sits on a sofa at home, holding a smartphone and looking at the screen.
Family and friends forum
If someone you care about is living with cancer, this group is the place to share your feelings and get support.
A garden at RHS Malvern Spring Festival 2024A garden at RHS Malvern Spring Festival 2024
Macmillan Memories
Some moments stay with us. If you’ve lost a friend or family member, you are not alone and support is available. You can share a memory of someone you love who is no longer with you. Remember them, and help support people living with cancer through Macmillan Memories. 

Our work with the Farming Community Network

 

We’re also working with groups like the Farming Community Network (FCN) to understand the realities of rural life and make sure support reaches people who might otherwise miss out.

 

This partnership helps us encourage people to seek help sooner, with tailored support created with and for farming communities, and bring services closer to where people live and work.

 

Together, we’re building a stronger bridge between Macmillan and farming communities so more people get the support they need, when they need it.  

A small group of people from Macmillan Cancer Support and the Farming Community.
Read about the FCN partnership
A small group of people from Macmillan Cancer Support and the Farming Community.

Help make cancer care fair

Together, we can make cancer care fair for everyone. Our supporters, volunteers, professionals and partners are all vital in making it happen.
A dark green money collection tin on a light green background.A dark green money collection tin on a light green background.
Donate now
Make a donation to Macmillan so we can continue to support people like Cain who are living with the unfair challenges of cancer, whoever they are and whatever they’re going through.
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Leave a gift in your will
Make a donation to Macmillan so we can continue to support people like Cain who are living with the unfair challenges of cancer, whoever they are and whatever they’re going through.
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Do a Mighty Hike
Been inspired by Emmerdale's Yorkshire countryside? Our Yorkshire Dales Mighty Hike takes you through the heart of the Yorkshire Dales. Sign up for this or one of our 11 other hikes to help make cancer fair for everyone.
More ways to help