& LIFESTYLE

EING diagnosed with cancer can be a monumental shock to the system, bringing with it a whirlwind of emotions. While cancer survival rates have improved massively, a diagnosis can still be terrifying and, in many ways, turn your life upside down.

This means navigating cancer can be as much about getting the right emotional and practical support as going through physical treatments – but where do you turn to get this?

While it’s estimated that by

2020, half the population will get cancer during their lifetime, a survey by Dimbleby Cancer Care ( found that three-quarters of people with the disease don’t know where to find local cancer support groups if needed. And even more may not know how to access practical or financial support services if they or someone they know is diagnosed with cancer.

“Life is never the same after a cancer diagnosis. It can be a challenging time for you and your loved ones, and many people find it affects their mental as well as physical health,” says broadcaster Jonathan Dimbleby, whose family set up Dimbleby Cancer Care in

1966 in memory of his father, the renowned broadcaster Richard Dimbleby, who died of testicular cancer, aged just 52.

Now, to help close the gap in accessing vital support, the charity has launched a Cancer Care Map ( the UK’s first comprehensive map of cancer services. The free website can help people living with cancer, and their family and friends, find local services in their area that can make life easier practically, emotionally and financially.

Here, Jonathan discusses the key types of support ser vices available...

TALKING GROUPS