More than half (65%) of people on the Isle of Wight– an estimated 75,500 people – currently have, or have had, a family member or a close friend with cancer, Macmillan Cancer Support have revealed.
Earlier this year, Macmillan announced that there are currently 2.5 million people living with cancer in the UK, which is set to rise to 4 million by 2030.
Overall, most people on the Isle of Wight (72%) know, or have known, someone with cancer – whether a colleague, acquaintance, family or friend. And worryingly, the research found that 23% of people – an estimated 19,200 people on the Island do not feel confident about providing the person or people they know with cancer with emotional support and 30% – an estimated 25,100 do not feel confident providing practical support.
The charity is using this new research, carried out by NFP Synergy through a survey of more than 1,000 British adults, to encourage people to reach out to those they know who have cancer, to help them feel less alone.
Sadly, more than four in ten people (42%) of all Brits surveyed who are living with cancer themselves also have – or have had – a family member or close friend with the disease.
Macmillan Cancer Support offers information for people affected by cancer and those around them, and its The Source website (https://source.macmillan.org.uk) is home to hundreds of tips – generated by users of the site – for helping people with cancer. Popular advice ranges from sending a message of support on treatment days, to writing a letter, offering a hug or cooking a meal.
David Crosby, General Manager at Macmillan Cancer Support says:
“It’s a devastating reality that more and more people are getting cancer and today’s findings sadly show us that most of us have someone close to us who has been diagnosed.
Article continues below this advertisement “Thankfully, people are living longer with cancer, but it can be a lonely time when you are going through treatment and even afterwards, when you are getting back to work, family and social life.
“Whether the person you know with cancer has just been diagnosed, is going through treatment, or is trying to get on with life beyond cancer, reaching out to them could really help them to feel less isolated.
“It might be difficult knowing how to help, but everyone’s cancer experience is unique to them, so there’s no one ‘right’ thing to do or say. Our site gives some suggestions that people with cancer have themselves found useful.”
There are currently more than 400 useful tips on The Source and there are more than 95,000 registered members of Macmillan’s online community, a forum for sharing cancer experiences, asking questions and supporting other people affected by the disease.
For more information or support, call 0808 808 00 00 or visit www.macmillan.org.uk.
