Cancer Support UK launches innovative online wellbeing checker tool

Cancer Support UK has launched Cancer Compass, a new tool that allows anyone living with or beyond cancer to check their emotional wellbeing and, in just a few seconds to find the right support.

One in two people will develop some form of cancer in their lifetime (three million people in the UK are living with cancer and that number is predicted to rise to four million by 2030*). It’s a diagnosis that can be devastating in terms of life-changing side effects and challenging emotions. Yet 58% of people diagnosed with cancer feel their emotional needs are not looked after as much as their physical needs **, which equates to around 1.7 million people in the UK.

This is why Cancer Support UK has developed Cancer Compass, a new free online emotional checker tool, to help people find and receive the most appropriate practical or emotional support.

Because from the moment the words “you have cancer” are spoken, a person’s life is turned upside down. Often there isn’t time to think, or ask the right questions, or even to know what help is needed.

Accessible through the Cancer Support UK website – www.cancersupportuk.org/cancer-compass/  – Cancer Compass allows anyone with a cancer diagnosis to learn what type of support they would benefit from.

Cancer Compass is designed to get people thinking about their wellbeing and emotional needs. In less than a minute users of the online tool can be put in touch with any of the following:

Cancer Coach – This free six-week programme is available to anyone with a primary (stages 1-3) cancer diagnosis, who has completed their physical cancer treatment and is experiencing low mood, anxiety and worry. The course is run over the telephone or online and participants are given tools, coach and peer group support, as well as coping strategies, which can help them move forwards in their recovery journey.

Cancer Kits – these specially developed kits contain practical items for adults and children with cancer to use while receiving treatment. All the items have been carefully chosen to usefully support people who are often feeling upset and experiencing physical discomfort. There are four types of kit, depending on the type of treatment being given. Cancer Kits, Chemo Kits, Comfort Kits (for people over 65) and Kids’ Kits. The kits are supplied free of charge and can be ordered directly from Cancer Support UK – www.cancersupportuk.org/cancer-kits/about-our-kits/ .

Signposting – Cancer Support UK’s website has a comprehensive list of cancer support related information and websites. www.cancersupportuk.org/cancer-coach/useful-organisations-and-websites/

Commenting on the launch of Cancer Compass, Cancer Support UK’s CEO, Mark Guymer, said:

We know that life during and after cancer can feel very overwhelming and it can be difficult to know where to turn for support. We are acutely aware that there is a lack of awareness of the need for greater emotional support for people facing a cancer diagnosis. Our Cancer Compass tool is incredibly easy to use and is designed to take the stress out of finding what support you need. By answering a few simple questions, people are directed to the most appropriate types of support for them.

Mark Guymer, CEO Cancer Support UK