Cancer is a difficult condition to cope with. Both the disease and the treatment you may receive can have a major impact on your life, physically, mentally, emotionally and socially. The good news is that you are not alone. With expert support and guidance, whatever your concerns, we are here to help with any worries you might have. In this section we have put together a set of resources which we hope will help with some of the practicalities of coping with life with cancer, as well as your treatment at CUH.
The CUH Cancer Information and Support Service consists of multi-skilled professionals who work closely with your clinical team, and can assist you with a wide range of non-clinical issues that you may be dealing with.
The Cancer Support team can provide advice, signposting and support on a wide range of non-clinical issues such as emotional, financial or practical support. The team works throughout the Oncology and Haematology department so support is always available when you need it.
Worried about cancer? Not sure where to turn or who to speak too? We can help.
The Cancer Support Team at Addenbrooke’s can now be contacted online and can support you with any non-medical issues you may be dealing with as a result of a cancer diagnosis or the cancer treatment you are going through.
Whether you are struggling with financial, emotional, practical or any other non-clinical issues, we can offer help, support and signposting to other support services to make living with cancer that little bit easier.
Please be aware we are not a clinical service or an emergency service and cannot offer any clinical advice. For any clinical or appointment enquiries, please contact your clinical team. We will aim to respond to your message in 72 hours.
Non-urgent advice: Face-to-face video support call
Video conferences are now available with the team. If you would like to speak to a member of the team face-to-face via a video call, please request one by phone or email or by filling out the contact form
Electronic Holistic Needs Assessments (eHNAs)
One of the ways in which patients can be supported is through the completion of an Electronic Holistic Needs Assessment (eHNA). This is a tool that allows patients to identify all the concerns they have surrounding their diagnosis and their treatment so that every patient can receive the correct support when they need it most.
If you are interested in completing an eHNA, or would like more information, please speak to your Clinical Nurse Specialist or one of the Cancer Support team.
Navigators
As part of the service the team has 10 navigators who support patients through their experience of cancer. The Navigators each have a focus on a specific cancer type, but can assist patients with any type of cancer, and can support patients in completing eHNAs. The Navigators can be contacted on 01223 274801.
Macmillan Benefits Advice Service
Macmillan’s trained benefits advisers provide free and confidential benefits advice to people affected by cancer and their families. The team can advise you on a wide range of issues including what benefits you’re eligible for, how to maximise your income, support with appeals, tax credits, grants, housing costs and transport concessions.
The Benefits Advice Service also includes:
- Identification of all benefits and support with applications and form completion
- Support to access and apply for one off payments such as Macmillan Grants
- Help with Blue Badge Applications
Referrals
We accept referrals (via email or telephone) directly from patients or their family members, and referrals from health care professionals and support workers.
To find out more or to book an appointment call the Macmillan Benefits Advice Team on 0345 600 6257 or email us.
The service is currently delivered remotely due to the pandemic with support being provided over the phone.
Catchment area
Cancer patients and their families attending Addenbrooke's.
Enhanced supportive care service
Attend Anywhere video consultation
Did you know your outpatient appointment for this service may now be done by video consultation using Attend Anywhere. This enables you to be able to attend your appointment from home, saving you time and money.
How does the Enhanced Supportive Care Team work?
- We are here to support you through your cancer treatment and provide early access to specialist support.
- We work in partnership with your hospital consultant, GP and their medical and nursing teams.
- Your hospital consultant and GP will remain responsible for your medical care.
- Your specialist/hospital nursing team or district nurse will continue to manage your regular nursing needs.
- Referrals can be made directly by you or by your consultant or specialist nurse, involved in your care.
- Referral can be made once treatment has started and at any point need is identified.
- This extra service is optional, and will not affect any part of your on-going care if you decline.
What can the Enhanced Supportive Care Team offer?
Advice and support on symptoms and an opportunity to discuss your thoughts and feelings within an outpatient setting.
- Pain management
- Anxiety management
- Fatigue management
- Breathlessness management
- Relaxation
- Help to stay active
- Well-being and quality of life
- Signposting to local services
- Symptom control
- Advanced care planning
- Social support
- Psychological support for you and family members
- Or just trying to feel as well as possible, for as long as possible