The Department of Health is to provide £1.6 million to Macmillan to improve services and support for those living with and beyond cancer, Health Minister, Ann Keen announced.
The funding will be used to:
• Pilot different ways for the NHS and Local Authorities to look after people when they have finished their initial cancer treatment.
• Provide healthcare professionals with information and training to support people following cancer treatment.
• Run courses to help people living with cancer, with advice on finances and returning to work.
Health Minister Ann Keen said: “The impact of cancer does not end after treatment. Cancer survivors have a range of needs – physical, psychological and social – and, through the National Cancer Survivorship Initiative, we are working to ensure that they can lead as healthy and active a life as possible, for as long as possible.” Ciarán Devane, chief executive of Macmillan Cancer Support, said: “This grant will help make a big difference to the two million people living with cancer. The National Cancer Survivorship Initiative supports people to get their lives back on track and ensures they do not feel abandoned after finishing their initial treatment. It will enable people to get a full assessment of their needs, advice about diet and exercise and information on signs and symptoms that might signal a recurrence of their cancer or be long-term effects of treatment.”
