The number of people that RedArc has supported with cancer has doubled since 2020. This includes those who are waiting for a full diagnosis through to those undergoing treatment, in remission, or living with cancer. While each of these stages may require a different approach, cancer can affect every area of a person’s life including their physical, mental, financial and social wellbeing. RedArc is therefore calling on organisations offering third-party support for cancer to ensure that the help they provide is multi-dimensional to meet the needs of those affected.
Christine Husbands, commercial director, RedArc said: “There are thousands of types and subtypes of cancer which affect people in an equally diverse manner. As no one can second guess how the disease will impact an individual’s health or lifestyle, it is essential to have support that covers as many areas of need as possible. And that support needs to incorporate coming to terms with a diagnosis through to understanding options for surgery and treatment, as well as coping with the side-effects and long-term implications.”
RedArc recommends that support should also include the immediate family, whose lives can be affected as a result of a partner, parent, child or sibling being diagnosed.
RedArc also suggests support should be provided for as long as required, and ideally via the same healthcare professional so that the individual can build a trusted relationship with them who, having been with them from the start, will have a full overview of the individual’s circumstances and mindset.
Timely and wide-ranging support
An individual needs to be referred to cancer support during the initial diagnosis and while waiting for test results as this can be a particularly stressful time. The support can help them prepare for medical appointments, consultations, and getting a second medical opinion, as well as providing independent emotional support. Once an individual is receiving treatment, they may also need practical support on living with the disease and any side effects of that treatment, as well as addressing their finances and the social aspects of their life. The individual may also need advice about speaking to their employer and colleagues as well as discussing the practicalities of a return to work.
The NHS offers a range of additional services and support that are not always widely known or understood, so help with navigating the NHS can be invaluable. Similarly, signposting to, and sourcing support from, specialist charities, support groups, home help and complementary therapies can also be vital.
As an example, someone with a supportive family may benefit from the solus of one-to-one support with a designated nurse with whom they can privately discuss the emotional aspect of coping with a diagnosis. However, an individual living on their own may find the signposting to support groups and local charities of greater benefit. Both may be helped by complementary therapies to aid sleep and reduce the side effects of chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
Christine Husbands continued: “Receiving treatment is just one aspect of dealing with cancer. Coping with the consequences is complex – one person’s needs could be entirely different from another’s. That’s why good cancer support needs to pull everything together. It should identify where gaps exist to help the individual in the broadest possible sense with many of the challenges presented by a cancer diagnosis.”