Display Patient Information Leaflets

Date issued: February 2023
For review: February 2025 
Ref: D-252/Oncology/CD/Take control 6 things you can do v7

PDF:  Take control 6 things you can do final June 2020 v5.pdf[pdf] 322KB

When given a new diagnosis of cancer, it helps to know what to expect and how to get further information to get the best care and support. At Derriford we have developed this leaflet to let you and your family know of 6 things you can do to take control in a way that suits you.

1. Ask who your Cancer Nurse Specialist / Support Worker is

You should be given the details of who to contact if you have any concerns or worries about your health or care whilst in hospital. This person is usually a Cancer Nurse Specialist (CNS) or your Support Worker and usually remains your main contact throughout your care.

• Ask your doctor for the name of your CNS or contact    The Mustard Tree (Macmillan Cancer Support Centre) on 01752 430060.

        2. Raise your concerns and worries

When you are given a diagnosis of cancer someone from your hospital team, usually your CNS will talk to you about how you are feeling. Ask for a Holistic Needs Assessment. This will help to explore any worries you have about your physical health, emotions, work life, family life or practical concerns. It is also an opportunity to get information, support and a referral to other services if appropriate.

• Before your appointment or assessment, make a list of things you would like to talk about

       3.Understand your disease, symptoms, and treatment effects

 

1. Ask us about your care/ treatment plan e.g. what care you will receive, what the aim of treatment is, how long treatment will last.

2. Use the written Care/ Treatment Plan given to you by your CNS as a diary to record your thoughts  and activities.

3. Ask if you can bring someone with you to your appointments (depending on restrictions).They will often pick up information you have missed.

4. Keep a list of contact numbers for emergency advice on symptom control and side effects of treatment.

5. Ask for written information and a written care plan about your treatment. You may need to refer to this in the future.

6. Ask for information about clinical studies (research   trials) that may be available to you.

       4. Explore tips for keeping well

        Before, during and after treatment, leading a healthier lifestyle can help speed up recovery and improve well-being.

• Exercise as best you can. The Mustard Tree offers information and free exercise programmes (some in partnership with Marjons University) including gardening.

• Get help and advice to eat a well-balanced diet.

• Reduce how much alcohol you drink.

• Ask for help to give up smoking.

• Get help with managing tiredness, a common problem (fatigue workshops).

• Receive counselling support in the Mustard Tree.

• Let your family and friends help with practical tasks e.g., shopping and housework.

       5. Organise your work and money

       Cancer may impact on your work and finances.

• Get confidential advice from our Macmillan Benefits Advisor, about what you may be entitled to and what help is available to you (including a blue badge and grants).

• Obtain free prescriptions on the NHS (form completed by GP or CNS).

• Get reduced parking costs if attending the oncology department and chemotherapy unit.

• Have support to make plans for the future (e.g., life insurance, power of attorney, wills and investments).

• Get help to understand your employment rights and deal with work related issues.

Contact the Macmillan Benefits Advisor via the Mustard Tree, Cancer Support Centre, 01752 430060

     6. Access other support available

      Speak to your CNS/ Support Worker or The Mustard Tree Team.

• Access a support group where you can talk to other  people who have been through the same treatments Plymouth Area Cancer Support (PACS)

• Get help to access more information, via internet and web pages e.g., NHS Choices, Sunrise app, Macmillan

• Find out about local charities e.g., Jeremiahs Journey, Patches (support for children who may experience loss through cancer) and St Luke’s Hospice.

• Ask about carer support groups.

• Find out about specialist nursing support in the community (District Nurses or Palliative Care team). Ask about health and wellbeing events. Find out about support services closer to home, outreach Cancer Support Centres in Liskeard, Tavistock and Kingsbridge. 

For any information about these points you can speak to your Cancer Nurse Specialist / Support Worker or contact The Mustard Tree, Cancer Support Centre. Telephone: 01752 430060.

Some contacts that you may find useful:

Cancer Research UK: a national information service for all types of cancer.

Telephone 0808 800 4040 or www.cancerhelp.org.uk

Carers Association: www.carersuk.org

Jeremiahs Journey: 01752 424 348 www.jeremiahsjourney.org.uk

Macmillan Cancer Support: contact cancer nurses for support and information: an extensive range of booklets and fact sheets on all aspects of cancer, available free to patients.

Freefone: 0808 808 0000 or www.macmillan.org.uk

Macmillan Cancer Support Fund: UK-wide charity which supports people living with cancer. Macmillan cancer relief will provide grants for people with cancer in financial need. 

NHS Choices: Your health your choices www.nhs.uk

Marie Curie: www.mariecurie.org.uk

Red Cross: www.redcross.org.uk

Teenage Cancer Trust: www.teenagecancertrust.org

‘My Sunrise App’ on Android or Apple apps

Plymouth Area Cancer Support (PACS):  https://plymouthcancersupport.com