Macmillan Cancer Support

We’re so grateful to everyone who volunteered to create almost 3,500 care packages for people living with cancer in 2024. The packages were delivered to Macmillan services across the UK and created by over a thousand volunteers. Our friends at Welcome Break delivered care packages to the Macmillan Information and Support Centre at Royal Stoke University Hospital. “We are incredibly grateful to Macmillan Cancer Support and our local Keele Welcome break team, who always arrive with a smile when delivering to our centre and are so enthusiastic and passionate about creating these wonderful care packs. “These packs create a ripple effect of joy and kindness when we, as a team distribute them. We know this small act of kindness can make such a meaningful and huge difference to many cancer patients during what is an incredibly difficult and challenging time. And our team are extremely proud to act as a bridge between Macmillan Cancer Support and the community, ensuring these packs reach those who need them most.” We also heard from people living with cancer after they received their care packages. “I felt that somebody knew that because of my treatment, I would be feeling low at this time of year and cared enough to show kindness and support.” “Anything that can put a smile on your face during treatment is very welcome. As someone going through this gruelling journey, I welcome anything that will lift my spirits, and this Christmas care pack did just that!” We love to see our corporate partner employees come together to help support people affected by cancer and we can’t thank you enough 💚

“As someone who is half-Yemeni, I’ve thought to myself, ‘What if I couldn’t speak English?’ If I wasn’t listened to, I could have died.” As the number of people living with cancer in the UK has surged, an unacceptable gap in cancer care is emerging, with many people finding it harder than ever to live with the disease and significant differences when it comes to people’s experiences of diagnosis, treatment and care. “As someone who has faced a cancer diagnosis and recurrence, I know that living with cancer is not just about the medical challenges - it’s about navigating a system that doesn’t always meet everyone’s needs equally. “I do a lot of work within my own community and others to raise awareness of genetic risk, and the signs and symptoms of cancer. I know that cancer is a topic that’s not spoken about very often. It’s so important that we make cancer a normal conversation in marginalised communities and help people to act on any concerns. Ameena is one of the almost 3.5 million people living with cancer in the UK in 2025, the highest figure ever reported. Everyone with cancer in the UK should be able to access the best care possible, whoever and wherever they are. 

As the number of people with cancer continues to rise, the experience of cancer is getting worse for many people in the UK. Many are finding it harder to live with the disease than ever before, and there are unacceptable gaps in cancer care, with people being left behind. This must change. Better is possible but only if we approach cancer care differently. Governments across the UK must take urgent action to tackle the cancer care gap and ensure everyone with cancer can access the best care the UK has to offer, whoever and wherever they are. Sources: Macmillan prevalence estimates for 2025 plus analysis of NHS data and YouGov survey data

We understand patients have to that a cancer diagnosis brings a flood of information, which can be overwhelming for patients. To support you and your patients, we offer our comprehensive cancer information in multiple formats. Our online audiobooks provide patients with a flexible way to absorb crucial information at their own pace, whether they’re commuting, exercising, or simply managing a busy schedule. Our audiobooks cover topics, such as treatment options, specific cancer types, coping with hair loss, and supporting someone through a diagnosis. Discover our full range here: https://lnkd.in/ddGC4vPS

Cancer can disrupt every part of your life. And many people are being hit harder by their cancer diagnosis because of who they are or where they live. This week Prostate Cancer UK and National Prostate Cancer Audit have highlighted what we’re also hearing every day from people living with cancer – that there are unacceptable gaps between those experiencing the best cancer care in the UK and those experiencing the worst, and too many people aren’t getting the treatment or support they need. For over a century, Macmillan Cancer Support has helped to drive improvements and innovation in cancer care. We cannot stand by and let these poor experiences of care continue. Better is possible, but only if we work differently. We’re committed to putting people with cancer at the heart of all we do, to help transform cancer care for good.

The Elective Reform Plan could make a real difference to many of the tens of thousands of people who face long waits for cancer diagnosis, treatment and care in England each year. We are hopeful that the proposals set out in the Elective Reform Plan could provide a lifeline for people living with cancer, placing their individual needs at the heart of their treatment. We look forward to working with the government on delivering this plan, and making sure everyone living with cancer in the UK gets the best possible care.

What an epic 2024 our incredible fundraisers had. We can’t thank you enough for your support. 💚 Whether you’re 10,000 ft in the air, or your feet are firmly on the ground as you make tracks through a Mighty Hike, there’s a challenge for everyone. What fundraising challenge will you be taking on for 2025?

Today, we’re taking a moment to reflect on how lucky we are to have the best supporters! These are just a handful of comments from this past year, but they represent the kindness, vulnerability and positivity we receive in our comments sections every day. We are grateful for every single interaction, which help us to raise awareness of vital issues and ultimately provide the best support we can to people affected by cancer. If there’s anyone you’d like to take a moment to thank before we head into the New Year, feel free to do so in the comments. 💚

“I was called Rachel at one of my appointments, and while it wasn’t a problem for me, it leads you to thinking, ‘Is someone coming into work and not reading their notes?’ Everyone wants to be acknowledged as more than their cancer diagnosis and understood as an individual.” When Richard was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015, effective communication was key to building trust and respect when receiving cancer care. In a special edition episode of The Cancer Professionals Podcast, recorded live at our Macmillan Professionals Conference in Wales in November, we discussed the importance of communication when navigating a cancer diagnosis and talking to people living with cancer. You can find this podcast episode by searching for The Cancer Professionals on your preferred streaming platform.

“Christmas is such a magical time, I love it. It is an incredible event to bring people together, take a break from the stresses of the festive period and relax and enjoy some beautiful music while doing good for people living with cancer.” Our brilliant colleague Adele, is also the Chair of Macmillan’s West Yorkshire Fundraising Group. The group are organising a magical Christmas concert on Tuesday 10 December, at Leeds Minster. The concert will be a mix of spectacular musical performances and readings in the beautiful setting of the Minster. The concert will be hosted by Matt Jameson and Jen Phoenix, a British Sign Language interpreter will be back for a second year to sign the concert, so everyone has the chance to enjoy the evening. “Anyone can be affected by cancer, whether through a personal experience or a loved one'. We want the Christmas concert to be a joyful opportunity to reflect, remember and make a difference for local people affected by cancer. This year is even more poignant, as we sadly lost a great friend and fellow member of the fundraising group, Lizzie, to cancer. “Lizzie loved Christmas; she will be in our hearts and thoughts as we aim to raise all we can with this event. Alongside the concert, we are hopeful this event will help our fundraising group surpass the £20,000 mark this year, all of which will provide support for people in our community who are living with cancer. Our services are needed now more than ever. Thanks to the support of incredible fundraisers, like Adele, we can continue to do whatever it takes for people living with cancer. 💚