Cancer

UK sources of information and / or support

 The leaflets section of Patient UK

Includes various leaflets on Cancer.

Main umbrella organisations

 Cancerbackup

Information and support for people with cancer. Probably the largest and most comprehensive UK support and information organisation for people with cancer.

 CancerHelp UK

CancerHelp UK is a free information service about cancer and cancer care for people with cancer and their families. It is brought to you by Cancer Research UK. They believe that information about cancer should be freely available to all and written in a way that people can easily understand.They also run a site called CancerCampaigns - a campaigning initiative. This site aims to engage their supporters, staff, scientists and the public in campaigning in partnership with the charity on issues related to cancer and cancer research. (For example, a campaign calling on the government to implement smoke free workplaces for all.)

 Macmillan Cancer Support

A UK charity which helps to provide the expert care, and practical andemotional support that make a real difference for people living with cancer.To achieve this they raise funds for specialist Macmillan nurses and doctors, build vitally needed treatment centres, give financial help to those who need it most, offer training and resources to cancer self help and support groups,and provide a range of cancer information both locally and nationally.

 Tenovus - The Cancer Charity

Committed to cancer research and patient support.

 Action Cancer

A Northern Ireland cancer charity established with the vision that people in Northern Ireland would be free from the risk of cancer. The charity continues the fight for freedom from cancer and maintains a pioneering role in the development of cancer services.

 CLIC Sargent

CLIC and Sargent Cancer Care for Children merged in January 2005 to become the UK's leading children's cancer charity. CLIC Sargent provides support to children and young people with cancer and leukaemia and their families.

 Help Adolescents with Cancer

H.A.W.C. - Help Adolescents with Cancer - has developed from just two teenagers into a national group with over three hundred and eighty members and welcomes young people from all hospitals, clinics, referrals from doctors, social workers, or from young people themselves who have or had any kind of cancer or life threatening disease.

 Marie Curie Cancer Care

Provides specialised cancer care, without charge, across the UK.

 Cancer & Palliative Care Online Resource Network for Northern Ireland - CAPRICORN

CAPRICORN is an online resource providing information on cancer and palliative care services in Northern Ireland. As well as a directory of services it contains information on treatments and investigations, community support section, reports and education section. There is also specific areas for children and young people and a section on lymphoedema care.

 National Patient Information Pathways

A vast range of national cancer information resources under one roof. These pathways provide information to patients, carers and health professionals at the touch of a button.

 Cancer Services Collaborative

A national NHS Programme that supports local cancer service teams (networks) to improve their cancer and diagnostic services and help reduce their waiting times.

Other information and support sites include the following

 Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma (ACC) Resource Centre

UK site of world wide exchange of information on this rare cancer.

 AMEND (Association for Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Disorders

The Association for Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Disorders (AMEND) is a patient support group set up in 2002 in order to offer help and information for the rare genetic conditions of MEN1 and Men2.

 Anthony Nolan Bone Marrow Trust

A Registered UK charity which exists to match volunteer bone marrow donors with patients throughout the world, who are in need of life-saving bone marrow transplants.

 BBC Guide to Cancer

Clear, quality health information from the BBC. This site offers you a look at the forms of cancer, details on treatments available, medical terms explained, and organisations which offer medical and emotional support. Further sources of information are listed too along with factsheets on lung cancer, skin cancer, dietary cancer, men's and women's cancers, that you can print off and keep for reference.

 Breast Cancer Care

Information and support on breast cancer; for those who fear they may have breast cancer and for those who have other breast health concerns.

 British Acoustic Neuroma Association

A patient organized and administered information and mutual aid group, founded in 1993. Exists for mutual support, information exchange and sympathetic listening.

 British Colostomy Association

Provides support, reassurance and practical information to anyone who is about to have a colostomy, or who already has a colostomy.

 Cancer Black Care

Addresses the cultural and emotional needs of black people affected by cancer. Aims to be at the forefront in cancer education, prevention and t address the quality of life for black and minority ethnic patients. Provides information and advice on all aspects of cancer and its treatment. Also has details of Specialist National Cancer Oraganisations, Specialist in Cancer Centres and Units, and details of Black and Ethnic Minority Community Groups.

 Cancer Counselling Trust

The trust provides in person and telephone counselling for cancer patients, their families, friends and care givers who seek counselling to help them through the difficult issues precipitated by a cancer diagnosis.

 CancerIndex

An extremely comprehensive and well-resourced site with a wealth of information on cancers and links to a wide range of other sources of information.

 Cancerkin

A breast cancer support organisation. Emotional and practical support services for patients and their relatives.

 Cancerline UK

A resource website for cancer networks and mult-disciplinary teams (MDTs) working in primary and secondary care. Patients and carers may also find the website of great value, and patient leaflets on various topics are included.

 CancerWeb

Information available on many different aspects of cancer, investigation and treatment.

 Christie Hospital NHS Trust

A website for patients, healthcare professionals and research workers looking at all aspects of Cancer and its treatment.

 CLAN (Cancer Link Aberdeen and North)

Cancer support charity for patients, their families and close friends. Based in Aberdeen, they cover all of Grampian, Orkney andShetland. They offer support, information and complementary therapies.

 Colon Cancer Concern

National charity dedciated to bowel cancer patients, their families and friends, CCCs Infoline and fact sheets are a valuable source of information. CCC produces leaflets and question cards for every stage from the first visit to the GP to treatment for advanced colorectal cancer.

 Department of Health

The Department of Health outlines policy and provides guidance documents concerning cancer.

 Foundation for Children with Leukaemia

Leukaemia Research and Funding is the primary aim. Also provides aftercare resources and organises fund-raising events.

 Give Hope Brain Tumour Support

Give Hope aims to provide information to patients and carers of resources available. Information held may also be of help to other illness groups.

 Guide to Internet Resources for Cancer

From Newcastle University.

 Institute of Cancer Research

Not a self help group but their web site provides links to many cancer support and information resources for patients and carers. Includes Everyman - action against male cancer - the Institute of Cancer Research's campaign to raise awareness of testicular and prostate cancer.

 International Myeloma Foundation (UK)

The IMF (UK) website has been developed to provide immediate, 24/7 access to information about myeloma and related diseases to individuals affected by the condition and the people caring for them, either professionally or informally.

 Kidney Cancer

Aims to provide UK kidney cancer patients and their carers with improved access to reliable information about kidney cancer and its treatment, and to establish a network of individuals and groups capable of offering mutual support.

 Leukaemia Research Fund

Includes information on leukaemia, Hodgkins disease, lymphomas, myeloma etc.

 London Prostate Cancer Centre

Their website provides information, advice and treatment from four of the UK's leading cancer specialists. Includesextensive information on causes, diagnosis, treatment options and latestresearch into the disease..

 Lymphoedema Support Network

Lymphoedema is not a well documented condition. This group of Lymphoedema patients and medical advisors can offer support, help and information to those affected by lymphoedema due to cancer or other causes

 Lymphoma Association

Formerly the Hodgkins disease and lymphoma association. Helping those affected by lymphatic cancer

 Medulloblastoma and PNET Brain Tumours Mailing List

This free mailing list is for discussion of medulloblastoma and PNET brain tumours by parents, patients and professionals.

 NHS Cancer Screening Programmes

This official site provides information on the NHS Breast Screening Programme, NHS Cervical Screening Programme and the UK Colorectal Cancer Screening Pilot.

 Orchid Cancer Appeal

Aims to raise funds to increase public awareness and improve and simplify treatment of Men's cancer (testicular and prostate cancers) and to help people understand these cancers and their treatment.

 Ovacome

Ovacome is a UK-wide support group for all those concerned with ovarian cancer, involving sufferers, families, friends, carers and health professionals.

 Prostate Cancer Charity (The)

Currently offers publications, a telephone helpline, a list of support contacts, newsletters as well as carrying out scientific research into the causes and treatments for prostate cancer.

 Prostate Cancer Support Association

PSA is a national association of self-help and support groups. It is managed by and for men with prostate cancer, their families and other interested groups. The site includes information on the disease and therapies.

 PSA North of England

A support organisation for men with prostate cancer and their families.

 Prostate Cancer Support Association (Central England)

Support for men and their loved ones who are concerned about prostate cancer and its consequences.

 PCaSO - Prostate Cancer Network

A prostate cancer support group. It is run by its members and the services offered are for men, their families and those affected by prostate cancer.

 Prostate Research Campaign UK

Offers free brouchures on all prostate diseases (cancer, benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostatitis), a DVD/Video on treatment options for early prostate cancer, a quarterly newsletter and other publications. Also funds research into all aspects of prostate disease and awards grants for the training of medical professionals.

 Rare Cancer Alliance

The primary purpose of the organization is to disseminate information and provide support to rare cancer patients. Most members are rare cancer patients themselves, who have had to go through the process of wading through the information (or lack of information) on the internet for their rare cancer

 Rarer Cancers Forum

Activities include: Offers general advice and information and, where possible, patient-to-patient support; Collects up-to-date information, and puts patients with 'rarer' cancers in contact with one another; Raises awareness about the less common cancers; Has involvement in securing the best possible services for people living with rarer cancers.

 Retinoblastoma Society

A national organisation offering support, friendship and information for people with retinoblastoma and their families.

 Roy Castle Cause For Hope Foundation

Lung cancer information and support.

 Royal Marsden

A leading UK cancer centre, recognised worldwide for the quality of its services. Site includes comprehensive, authoritative patient information.

 Scottish Association of Prostate Cancer Support Groups

Support and information for people with prostate cancer.

 Thyroid Cancer Support Group -Wales

A small selfhelp group of thyroid cancer patients who wish toraise the profile of thyroid cancer and to provide support for new andexisting patients to talk to.

 Willow Foundation

The Foundation funds and organises 'Special Days' for seriously ill youngadults between the ages of 16 and 40.

 World Cancer Research Fund

WCRF is dedicated to saving lives by funding cancer research and providing education programmes that expand the understanding of the importance of food and lifestyle choices in the cancer process. Site includes leaflets on specific cancers, cancer prevention and nutrition. And some information from NICE.

 Health services for people with sarcoma

A patient guide to complement the NICE national guideline for health professionals called Sarcoma.

 Healthcare services for bowel (colorectal) cancer

A patient guide to complement the NICE national guideline for health professionals called Colorectal.

 Complete cytoreduction for pseudomyxoma peritonei (Sugarbaker technique)

A patient guide to complement the NICE national guideline for health professionals called Complete cytoreduction for pseudomyxoma peritonei (Sugarbaker technique).

 Children and young people with cancer

A patient guide to complement the NICE national guideline for health professionals called Children and young people with cancer people.

 Colorectal cancer (advanced) - irinotecan, oxaliplatin and raltitrexed (review)

A patient guide to complement the NICE national guideline for health professionals called Colorectal cancer (advanced) - irinotecan, oxaliplatin and raltitrexed (review).

 Laparoscopic liver resection

A patient guide to complement the NICE national guideline for health professionals called Laparoscopic liver resection.

 Photodynamic therapy for bile duct cancer

A patient guide to complement the NICE national guideline for health professionals called Photodynamic therapy for bile duct cancer.

 Complete cytoreduction and heated intraperitoneal intraoperative chemotherapy (Sugarbaker technique) for peritoneal carcinomatosis

A patient guide to complement the NICE national guideline for health professionals called Complete cytoreduction and heated intraperitoneal intraoperative chemotherapy (Sugarbaker technique) for peritoneal carcinomatosis.

 Improving outcomes in head and neck cancers

A patient guide to complement the NICE national guideline for health professionals called Head and Neck.

 Gastro-intestinal stromal tumours (GIST) - imatinib

A patient guide to complement the NICE national guideline for health professionals called Gastro-intestinal stromal tumours (GIST) - imatinib.

 Radiofrequency ablation for the treatment of colorectal metastases in the liver

A patient guide to complement the NICE national guideline for health professionals called Radiofrequency ablation for the treatment of colorectal metastases in the liver.

 Selective internal radiation therapy for colorectal metastases in the liver

A patient guide to complement the NICE national guideline for health professionals called Selective internal radiation therapy for colorectal metastases in the liver metastases in the liver.

 Referral for suspected cancer

A patient guide to complement the NICE national guideline for health professionals called Referral for suspected cancer.

  Thoracoscopic excision of mediastinal parathyroid tumours

A patient guide to complement the NICE national guideline for health professionals called Thoracoscopic excision of mediastinal parathyroid tumours .

  Adrenal gland cancers

Provides detailed information about the drugs available to treat this condition. Medicine Guides provide reliable information about medicines, conditions and the different treatment options available. They have been developed in the UK as part of the Medicines Information Project

Further sources / more detailed information

Some non-UK sites

The following list popular non-UK health information sites with content aimed at the general public. They are mainly from the US. They have not been checked to see if information about the above topic is included but these large sites are comprehensive.

• Non-UK disease / illness sites
• Non-UK self-help / support group sites

More detailed medical information

The following list online sources of more detailed medical information, mainly from the UK. These sites are mainly aimed at health professionals, but are of interest to all. They have not been checked to see if information about the above topic is included, but information about most medical topics can usually be found.

• PatientPlus - hundreds of medical reference articles provided by Patient UK.
• Evidence Based Medicine - such as from Clinical Evidence, The Cochrane Library, etc.
• Database of UK Clinical Guidelines - from NICE, SIGN, Clinical Knowledge Summaries, etc.
• Medline - abstracts available from thousands of journals.
• Sites listing free online medical textbooks and journals.
• Sites listing free medical images - pictures, atlases, anatomy, skin diseases, etc.