Tag Archives: cancer support uk

World Cancer Day 2026: Standing with Unpaid Cancer Caregivers

Every year on 4 February, World Cancer Day brings people together to raise awareness, inspire action, and support everyone affected by cancer. This year’s theme, United By Unique, reminds us that every cancer experience is different yet no one should face it alone.

Behind many cancer journeys are unpaid caregivers. They are partners, friends, parents and family members who provide emotional support, organise appointments, manage daily routines, and help loved ones navigate some of life’s most difficult moments. Their contribution is invaluable, but too often it goes unseen.

To mark World Cancer Day 2026, I have created a short video highlighting the vital role of unpaid cancer caregivers and the importance of fair, person-centred care across the UK. The video also reflects key messages from Macmillan Cancer Support, including the urgent need to address inequalities in cancer care and ensure that everyone receives the support they need, when they need it most.

Also for World Cancer day 2026 comes alongside the newly released National Cancer Plan for England, which outlines ambitions to improve early diagnosis, treatment and personalised support so more people can live well with and beyond cancer. You can read more about the Plan here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-cancer-plan-for-england

Macmillan Cancer Support has also shared its perspective on the Plan, welcoming the focus on person-centred care while continuing to advocate for fairer cancer experiences and stronger support for everyone affected. Find out more here: https://www.macmillan.org.uk/about-us/news-and-media/news-releases/a-new-national-cancer-plan-for-england.

At least every 75 seconds, someone in the UK is diagnosed with cancer. In that moment, lives change not only for the person diagnosed, but also for those who step into caregiving roles. By recognising caregivers and amplifying their voices, we can help build a more compassionate and supportive future for everyone affected by cancer.

This World Cancer Day, we invite you to take a moment to reflect, learn, and share. By raising awareness and working together, we can support unpaid caregivers, challenge inequalities in care, and help create a future where no one feels lost or alone.

Together, we are #UnitedByUnique.

Why Cancer Carers Must also be at the Heart of the NHS 10-Year Plan

By Matthew McKenzie

As the NHS looks to the future with its ambitious 10-Year Plan, one critical group continues to be overlooked cancer carers, although I am not forgetting Mental Health carers. These are the unpaid family members, friends, and loved ones who provide essential care and emotional support to people living with cancer.

While the plan addresses key priorities like digitalization and community-based health reform, it fails to fully recognize the vital role of caregivers in our healthcare ecosystem.

The blog is a transcript of my video, which you can watch below.

Reform Through Inclusion

The NHS 10-Year Plan aims to reshape health services by emphasizing digital tools, preventive care, and stronger local networks.

These initiatives are undoubtedly important. But without recognizing and integrating the contributions of cancer caregivers, the plan risks missing a vital component of patient care.

The Invisible Workforce

Caregivers are often the unsung heroes of cancer care. They manage appointments, administer medications, provide emotional support, and serve as advocates all while coping with their own mental and physical toll.

Challenges Faced by Cancer Carers:

  • Mental Health Impacts: The stress, anxiety, and emotional burden can be overwhelming.
  • Decision Fatigue: Carers are often thrust into complex medical decision-making without adequate support or guidance.
  • Lack of Recognition: Despite their contributions, caregivers are rarely acknowledged as part of the healthcare team.

A Call for Systemic Change

The inclusion of carers in healthcare reform isn’t just an ethical necessity it’s a strategic imperative. By empowering carers, we enhance patient outcomes, reduce strain on NHS services, and promote more holistic care.

Recommendations for Inclusion:

  • Training for Carers: Equip caregivers with tools to better navigate health systems and support patient needs.
  • Support Services: Invest in respite care, mental health support, and caregiver-specific community services.
  • Recognition in Policy: Classify caregivers as essential stakeholders in healthcare planning and delivery.

Co-Production: Designing Services With Carers

One of the most powerful messages from the discussion is the importance of co-production. That means actively involving carers in designing and shaping NHS services not just consulting them after the fact.

Co-Production Actions:

  • Involve Carers in Service Design: Make caregiver feedback a routine part of NHS planning.
  • Policy Advocacy: Push for legal and procedural reforms that recognize the role of carers from day one.

The Road Ahead

Cancer caregivers are not just a support system they are key partners in the healthcare journey. If the NHS truly seeks to build a more inclusive, responsive, and sustainable health system, caregivers must be central to its 10-Year Plan.

Let’s stop treating caregivers as an afterthought. Let’s make them co-creators of the future of care.

Support Sites for Cancer Carers

1. Carers UK

Provides advice, online forums, factsheets, and rights information for unpaid carers across the UK.
https://www.carersuk.org

2. Carers Trust

Supports a network of local carer organisations across the UK. Offers practical help, grants, and local service finders.
https://www.carers.org

3. Macmillan Cancer Support

Offers emotional, practical, and financial support for people affected by cancer—including dedicated resources for carers.
https://www.macmillan.org.uk/information-and-support/supporting-someone-with-cancer

4. NHS – Cancer Care and Support

Official NHS guidance on cancer, treatments, living with cancer, and how carers can support loved ones.
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cancer/

5. Maggie’s Centres

A network of cancer support centres offering free emotional, psychological, and practical support to anyone affected by cancer—including carers.
https://www.maggies.org

6. Marie Curie – Caring for Someone with Cancer

Offers support to those caring for someone at the end of life or with a terminal cancer diagnosis, including bereavement help.
https://www.mariecurie.org.uk/help/support/caring