Campbeltown Courier

Cancer support remains during pandemic

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The start of 2021 is proving to be an acutely challengin­g time for people with cancer, the NHS and for cancer care.

It’s clear this is the most worrying time in recent history to get a cancer diagnosis.

At Macmillan, people are calling our support line every day to tell us about the heightened anxiety, loneliness and distress they are feeling.

On our support line – open seven days a week on 08088 080000 – specially trained nurses, counsellor­s and financial support advisors are

available to help anyone affected by, or worried about, cancer.

They can provide comprehens­ive informatio­n and advice, as well as emotional support, to help people with cancer cope with the additional strain of the coronaviru­s pandemic.

We know doctors and nurses are working in unspeakabl­y difficult conditions and are having to make tough decisions every day.

Healthcare profession­als are doing everything they can to keep cancer care on track.

But we also know some treatment – operations, for example – are being cancelled or postponed because essential services such as intensive care units are full of seriously ill people with Covid-19.

What is absolutely vital is that if there are changes to treatment plans, these must involve the person living with cancer and be communicat­ed clearly.

Although some changes may be needed for treatment plans, this is not the case everywhere or for all treatments or tests.

Healthcare profession­als are doing everything they can to make hospitals a safe environmen­t so it’s really important people with cancer who have been invited for tests or treatment do attend.

GPs are open if you are worried about possible cancer symptoms and screening and other vital tests have resumed in a Covid-safe way. The NHS is still here for you.

As well as our support line, comprehens­ive cancer informatio­n and support is available on www.macmillan.org.uk and our online community is there to provide invaluable emotional and peer support.

Gordon McLean, strategic partnershi­p manager in Scotland for Macmillan Cancer Support.

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