Support in the Isle of Man

Looking after yourself and those around you

A diagnosis of cancer can impact on all aspects of your life – you may have concerns not only about your treatment, but also money matters, work, relationships, your feelings….

Sometimes during treatment, things can seem out of your control

Taking positive steps to help you to look after yourself can help you to feel more in control, and there are organisations who can help.

Feelings & Emotions

A cancer diagnosis can feel like a rollercoaster of emotions, and everyone responds differently to the ups and downs.

Some people find it helpful to talk to friends or family; or someone who has had a personal experience of cancer themselves – local support groups are listed in the Useful Contacts section.

There is also help available from:

These organisations also offer support to those who are caring for you during your cancer treatment, including support for younger family members.

The Macmillan Cancer Information & Support Service also have literature on dealing with the emotional impact of cancer.

There are people who can listen and support,
don’t think that you have to go through this alone

Emotional Support Out of Hours

If you need to talk to someone outside of office hours for emotional support, please contact:

  • Crisis Response Team (Mental Health Services) – (01624) 642860
  • Samaritans – (01624) 663399

Support from the MCISS

We hope you find the information that you need. If there is anything you can’t find, please contact the Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Service (MCISS).

They can be found at the Main Entrance to Noble’s Hospital in Douglas, and are open Monday to Friday, 9am to 4:30pm. You can contact them by phone on 01624 650735 or email them.

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Financial Concerns

Work:

If you are working, you may need to take time off work for treatment and recovery. You will need to talk to your employer about what support they can offer during this time (e.g. reduced hours, flexible working, working from home). There is information available from the Macmillan Cancer Information & Support Service on work and cancer.

If you are self employed, or your employer does not pay for sick leave, you may be qualify for incapacity benefit from the Isle of Man Government.

Benefits:

The Isle of Man Government Social Security Office has a range of benefits which you may qualify for depending on your personal situation.

Some of the benefits available are:

The Benefits Information Guide, available from the Social Security Office or Macmillan Cancer Information & Support Service, may help you decide which benefits are relevant to your personal circumstances.

Social Security Offices:

Markwell House, Market St, Douglas, IM1 2RZ – Telephone 01624 685685

Cummal Mooar, Queen’s Prom, Ramsey IM8 1EL – Telephone 01624 812138

Age Isle of Man also provide advice and support with applying for benefits to those over the age of 50.

Other Financial Support:

If you have financial concerns, it may be beneficial to speak with an Independent Financial Adviser. Most Advisers will offer a free first consultation. For a list of Independent Financial Advisers, contact the Macmillan Cancer Information & Support Service.

If you are in financial difficulty, there may be other sources of financial support, e.g. grants from charitable organisations, available to you. For more information, contact the Macmillan Cancer Information & Support Service.

Insurance:

After a cancer diagnosis, you may find it harder to get insurance. The Macmillan Cancer Information & Support Service has a list of travel insurance companies who provide cover to those with a cancer diagnosis.


Diet & Nutrition

Following a healthy diet can have a beneficial affect both during and after cancer treatment. There is information available from the Macmillan Cancer Information & Support Service about diet and cancer.

Some cancer treatments may lead to either weight loss or weight gain. You may be referred to a dietician for advice about diet and weight. If you have concerns, please talk to the team looking after you.

Some of the resources available from Macmillan Cancer Support include:


Being Active

During cancer treatment, you may not feel like you have much energy for exercise, but physical activity can have a positive impact on how you are feeling. It can help you manage fatigue, reduce stress, improve your mood, and many other beneficial effects.

Physical activity can range from walking and gardening, to exercise classes at the gym. Talk to the team looking after you about what type of activity would be suitable for you.

The Macmillan Cancer Information & Support Service has information on physical activity and cancer.

The Isle of Man Sports Development Unit provides support for those looking to improve their activity:

Website: www.gov.im/categories/leisure-and-entertainment/national-sports-centre/activities-for-adults/
Telephone: 01624 688556

Some of the resources available from Macmillan Cancer Support include:

Keeping active
Physical activity and cancer treatment
Gardening as a way to keep active
What to do after cancer treatment ends: 10 top tips


Life after cancer treatment

It is natural to look forward to the end of your cancer treatment – but what happens once treatment has finished?

I was looking forward to getting back to some sense of normal
– but everything feels different…

It can be a challenging time as cancer treatment finishes. Moving on from regular appointments with the team looking after you, adapting back to everyday life and finding your new routine.

Every cough, niggle or twinge made me think that the cancer was back

Please don’t think that once your treatment stops you are on your own! If you need information and support after your treatment has finished, talk to the Macmillan Cancer Information & Support Service.

Knowing the other people had been through the same thing
and come out the other side was really reassuring to me

Sometimes it helps to talk to other people who have also been through cancer treatment. There are organisations on the Island who offer specific support to those who have finished cancer treatment. This could be through support groups or through a survivorship group.

There are a range of books and leaflets that may be of interest to you once your treatment has finished. These include personal stories of those who have also been through treatment, and information leaflets on looking after yourself once treatment has finished. The Macmillan Cancer Information Centre can show you what information is available.

Now the rollercoaster of cancer treatment
has finished and I’ve got time to think
about what has happened,
its all feels a bit much to take in!

For some people, it is only when cancer treatment has finished that they have the energy to consider what they have been through. It is not unusual to experience a range of emotions at this stage.

There are organisations who can offer support from a listening ear through to more in-depth counselling and psychological support depending on what is needed. The Macmillan Cancer Information Centre can guide you to organisations that can offer further support.

After cancer treatment has finished may also be the time to look at the positive steps you can take personally to move forward. This could include health & fitness, diet or just getting to know the “new” you… Use the information and support available to help you look forward.