Macmillan Launches Major Cancer Care Overhaul
Macmillan Cancer Support has unveiled what it calls the biggest shake-up in cancer care for a generation, as new figures reveal an estimated 1.7 million people with cancer across the UK are struggling with everyday needs. The charity describes this as a “hidden crisis” that leaves patients facing serious issues with sleeping, appearance, work, and finances.
Training 50,000 Professionals
As part of the plan, Macmillan will train almost 50,000 more professionals with its cancer expertise—nearly four times its current number. This includes around 5,000 additional healthcare professionals in clinical settings, such as cancer nurses, and more than 40,000 frontline workers who regularly come into contact with people with cancer. Pharmacists, including those at Boots, physiotherapists, paramedics, dietitians, GP surgery staff, and speech and language therapists are all included.
Community and Business Partnerships
The charity is also working with everyday businesses and community groups to spark conversations about cancer and connect people to support where they already are. Macmillan, which has supported people with cancer for more than 100 years, is improving its free services, including its Support Line and 24/7 Online Community, and testing new ones to fit busy lives.
CEO Calls for Fair Care
Gemma Peters, CEO of Macmillan Cancer Support, said: “We’re facing a hidden cancer crisis leaving people facing serious issues with everyday needs during one of the toughest times of their lives. Too often, people are left struggling to get the care and support they desperately need. Who you are, where you live, and how you communicate should never dictate your experience of cancer. But for too many people it still does. This isn’t fair.”
She added: “That’s why we’re on a mission to bring support closer to home. By investing in our free services, training thousands more professionals and working with local communities and businesses, we’re making sure people with cancer get the support they need on their doorsteps. But we can’t do this alone. It will take healthcare professionals, partners, local communities and the support of the public to help us make sure everyone gets the care they deserve.”
Crisis Set to Worsen
Macmillan warns the situation could affect a million more people over the next 20 years, with the number of people living with cancer in the UK projected to rise by 58% to 5.4 million by 2045. Until now, Macmillan’s expert-led training has mostly focused on specialist roles such as clinical nurse specialists, with more than 11,000 Macmillan Professionals currently across the UK.
Under the new scheme, called Macmillan Membership, that training will be opened up far more widely, giving a broader range of professionals on-demand access to guidance, wellbeing support, and trusted resources.
Boots Partnership
Jamie Kerruish, Chief Healthcare Officer at Boots, said: “Having easy access to care on the high street can make a real difference for people living with cancer. Our Pharmacists, Pharmacy Technicians, Optometrists and No7 Beauty Advisors are trusted experts in their communities, and thanks to our long partnership with Macmillan, more than 4,000 of them are trained to offer support when people need it most. We’re proud of the part we’ve played in community cancer care over the years, and we welcome this push to make this support easier to reach for more people, in more places across the UK.”
