Cancer Support

Coping with cancer, whether directly or indirectly, can be difficult for us all.

Getting a cancer diagnosis, enduring cancer treatment and going through recovery can be daunting, scary and confusing for you and your loved ones. It is normal to experience mental health issues during this time.

You may be dealing with cancer and going through treatment yourself, you may be fearful of a previous cancer returning, or you may have a loved one who is going through cancer treatment, and you want to be able to support them in the best way possible through this troubling and traumatic time.

Struggling with mental health issues after a cancer diagnosis

Emotions and cancer are closely linked, and it is normal to experience a range of feelings after you, a family member or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer. These emotions may feel daunting and scary, and you might not know who to turn to, but we are here for you.

Maybe you are feeling low after your diagnosis or anxious at the prospect of what the future might hold. Or, you might be feeling overwhelmed with adjusting to life after cancer treatment or even lonely as you are unable to do some of the things you used to as you undergo treatment. At NHS Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Talking Therapies, we provide a range of evidence-based talking therapies to support you if you are finding coping with cancer difficult.

These talking therapies include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Counselling for Depression, Mindfulness Based Programmes for Health and our Healthy Living Healthy Minds programme, whoch also supports your physical health. You will work with a qualified therapist who will help you work through your thoughts and feelings around your cancer diagnosis, your cancer treatment or your mental health in general after enduring cancer.

We can support you with new ways of coping through existing webinars and self-help resources, as well as provide you with other tools to help you manage your mood. All of our talking therapies to help you deal with coping with cancer can be provided via secure video, text-based therapy, webinars, over the telephone or in person.

How do I access mental health support for coping with cancer?

There are several ways to make a referral to receive emotional support for cancer in Nottingham or if you are a cancer survivor looking for support groups with other cancer survivors in Nottinghamshire. If you are looking for help and support with your emotions and mental health, like anxiety or depression, we can offer the guidance you need.

You can self-refer via our Limbic referral assistant, or if you’d prefer, you can complete your details in our online form. If you would prefer to talk to a member of our friendly team to discuss an assessment appointment, you can call us on 0333 188 1060. You can also be referred by your GP or another health professional.

No matter how you choose to contact us, we are here to help you cope with cancer, deal with your emotions and offer all the support you need during this difficult time.

For more resources:

Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Service

Local Centres:

Maggie’s Cancer Support Centre, Nottingham City Hospital

Macmillan Money and Work Service

Support for managing work and finances for individuals with cancer.

Cancer and Rehabilitation Exercise (CARE) Programme

Exercise and rehabilitation support for individuals at any stage of cancer.

Clinical Psychology Cancer Service, King’s Mill Hospital

Self-help information about coping with the emotional impact of cancer for you and those supporting you.

Macmillan Cancer Psychology Service – Nottingham

Clinical Psychology service for cancer patients at Nottingham University Hospitals.