MACMILLAN CANCER INFORMATION CENTRE

Information Centre provides support to anyone affected by cancer – whether you have cancer, are a relative or friend of someone with cancer, or a health professional; we’re here to help you.

The Macmillan Cancer Information Centre is based in the main reception area of Nobles Hospital. You can call in for a brief visit to collect a piece of written information that you need, or you can drop in and chat for as long as you like. If you can’t get to the hospital, you can always give us a call on the telephone, and we can put information in the post for you.

Staff and trained volunteers will listen to your concerns and questions, and offer practical support to you and your family.

The questions you will have about living with cancer or being treated in hospital don’t always come to you during your appointments. The Macmillan Cancer Information Centre is there for you to use when the time is right for you.

What we offer is

• A place to talk about the issues that affect you or your family
• Links to the team treating your cancer
• Help with financial and practical matters (benefits, travel insurance, etc)
• Leaflets, books, videos you can borrow
• People who can help you find out more if there are aspects of your treatment you aren’t sure about.

What do people ask us?

• Can I find out more about the type of cancer I have?
• I’m going in to see my consultant. I am not sure what to ask
• The things that matter most to me seem trivial. How can I bring up those questions?
• I’m worried about travelling across for treatment. Who should I talk to?
• Where can I get reliable information on the internet about my cancer?
• Do I qualify for benefits?
• Who can help me cope with my feelings? I am afraid to burden my family?
• What other support is available to people affected by cancer on the Isle of Man? ? Will I always feel so tired? ? Will complementary therapies help me feel better? Are they expensive?
• I’m going on holiday, but my cancer diagnosis means I’m having problems getting travel insurance. Do you know any companies who’ll cover me?
• I want to read more about other people’s experience of cancer. What literature have you got?

We may not always be able to answer a query on the spot, but its part of our job to research and find out more.

Why can we help?

• The service is there for you at any stage in your treatment and care. You don’t have to be a patient to use it.
• Many of our volunteers have experienced a diagnosis of cancer in their family. They have the experience to listen and empathise as well as access to useful resources.
• Sometimes people feel overwhelmed by the information they receive in clinic, and don’t want any more. This service exists to help members of their family or friends who wish that they could find out more on their behalf.
• You can use the centre as many times as you need information or support.
• This service has been developed as collaboration between Macmillan Cancer Support and Nobles Hospital. We are all working to ensure that people affected by cancer have access to information and support that is accurate, appropriate and of a high quality at the time when it is most appropriate for them.

Useful Links

www.cancer.org.im

DisabledGo Information

Terms & Conditions

©2008 Isle of Man Government