26/05/2026
A practical guide to living with and after Cancer has been produced by Macmillan Cancer Support this has been a really useful tool for those using all of the services at Brighter Mansfield as well as our IMPACT cancer support service. In short the ten steps advised are:
1. Discuss your needs and agree a plan of care for after your treatment. Knowing who, why and when follow up will take place will help. Before your last appointment in your treatment plan you may find it helpful to make a list of things you want to talk about. You may find it useful to have someone with you during the meeting such as relative or friend. Discuss your needs and agree a plan of care. If you haven't had discussion at this stage of your treatment you can request i at a convenient time for you with your healthcare professional. This could be your specialist nurse or another practitioner. Ideally you should have been given a copy of your care plan. You can discuss and develop it further with you GP.
2. Ask about a treatment summary. This is a document that summarises the treatment you have had and should give you a sense of what to expect now that treatment is finished. If you don't receive one you can contact your hospital and ask for one to be provided to you. Your GP may contact you for a consultation called a Cancer Care Review within six months of your diagnosis. If not contacted you can call your surgery and ask for an appointment.
3. Find your main contact. You should have been given a main contact this may be a specialist nurse, Occupational therapist or dietitian and may be called your keyworker. In some cases this may be your GP. If you are not sure than ask.
4. Be aware of any symptoms you may experience after treatment. If you have symptoms and side effects you can speak to your main contact. There are many professionals who can help you manage these symptoms who your main contact or GP can refer you to.
5. Get support with day to day concerns. Cancer can effect your work, relationships and finances as well as health. Macmillan have a free confidential support line. 0808 808 00 00. Citizens Advice North Notts 0300 561 2800 or Disability Nottinghamshire 01623 625891 may be able to help too.
6. Talk about how you feel. Its normal to have mixed feelings at the end of your treatment. It may help both you and your family to talk about your worries and emotions. Talking Therapies can help and you can self refer in Mansfield by calling 0333 188 1060. All those impacted by cancer are welcome to attend our IMPACT support sessions 1st Monday in the month 5.30pm to 7pm or 3rd Monday in the month 1.30pm to 3pm both are held at Ladybrook Community Centre, no need to book just turn up. For those who prefer online visit macmillan.org.uk/community
7. Try to lead a healthy lifestyle. After cancer treatment leading a healthy lifestyle can help speed up recovery and improve your wellbeing. It is also a good idea to look at reducing stress in your life and relaxing more and having some fun.
8. Know what to look out for. You may worry about your cancer coming back or late effects of treatment. It is a good idea to discuss these concerns with your main contact. Also talking about this with your main support or in a support group can help to find ways for you to cope with any worries you have.
9. Be aware of your own health. Most side effects will get better over time once treatment has stopped. However, some effects can last longer and may occasionally be permanent. It is helpful to be aware of your own health and what's your normal. in new symptoms develop between your appointment you should get in touch with your main contact or your GP for advice.
10. Share your experiences. Your experience of cancer and its treatment may be helpful to other people who are about to start treatment. Sharing could be through your own social circles or wider. Volunteering, taking part in research, or feedback to the health services all serve to help to support other people.
Sharing knowledge and looking at how we can influence and change services are important to us. I hope you have found this article useful. The guide is available in our services or from Macmillan.
Join the Macmillan Community and chat to people who know what you're going through. Use the Community as a forum to get help and support online, and ask our experts your questions about cancer.
