Cancer unit is in town

Cancer information specialists will be on hand in Sheffield, Rotherham, Doncaster and Barnsley to answer questions and provide information to anyone with worries or concerns relating to cancer.

The team is also highlighting issues around finance and will be joined on the tour by benefits advisors who will be offering advice. If you’ve been affected by cancer, your finances might not be your first thought, but many people are faced with extra costs they hadn’t considered. Macmillan research has shown that 83 per cent of people are, on average, £570 a month worse off as a result of a cancer diagnosis. This is often due to being unable to work and having increased costs such as travel to hospital or increased fuel bills.

Amanda Fry, a Macmillan Information and Support Specialist on the mobile unit, said: “Cancer can affect many areas of your life, not just your health. It’s really important that people living with cancer are able to access the financial advice and support they are entitled to, so they can have peace of mind and turn their focus to what’s most important: their health.

“We can help signpost people to Macmillan benefits advisers Katy Lewis and Julie Marshall who can provide free, confidential advice.

“In South Yorkshire we’re also here to answer any of your other questions about cancer, whether you’re living with or beyond cancer, or are a carer or loved one of someone who is. We can explain what symptoms to look out for, offer advice about managing the side effects of your treatment and point you in the direction of local support, for patients and carers. Whatever you’d like to know, come along and see us; we’d be happy to help.”

The mobile unit, which will be in town and city centres from 10am to 4pm this week, will be in Rotherham today, Doncaster tomorrow, Barnsley on Wednesday and The Moor in Sheffield on Thursday.

Macmillan Cancer Support currently has five mobile information units travelling around the UK visiting local communities, providing cancer information and advice on the ground. Last year they helped around 60,000 people in over 500 locations.

Visit www.macmillan.org.uk if you are unable to visit the unit but have questions about cancer, or to find out about Macmillan services available near you.