Wellbeing and Supportive Care

Being as active as possible before, during and after your cancer treatment can help you feel good and manitain your independence, tolerate treatments better, and recover from surgery faster.

You can find out how to get support in the community, look at some videos, or find links to online activities and apps here. There is lots of support available, it's just finding what's right for you.

Exercise on referral schemes

If you want to get active but don't know where to start, or are anxious about getting 'back' to what you used to do, specialist support is available. There are Cancer Rehabilitation exercise specialists who are trained to support people with cancer before, during and after treatment. You can access these specialists via the links below or you can ask for a referral from your healthcare professionals or 

Winchester area

Winchester Sport & Leisure Park Health and Wellbeing Programme - Everyone Active

Basingstoke area

Exercise classes | Stepping Stones Health & Well-being | Basingstoke (steppingstoneshw.co.uk)

Andover area

I Can Therapy Centre - Power Assisted Exercise Facility in Andover

Alton area

Cancer Rehabilitation (cardiac-rehab.co.uk)

Prehabilitation 

Cancer Research UK - what is prehabilitation?

Cancer Research UK - how do I physically prepare for cancer treatment?

General information about physical activity

Exercise - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

MOVE Charity - Cancer, Support, Exercise

5k Your Way. Move Against Cancer

Welcome to the British Heart Foundation (bhf.org.uk)

Better Health - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

Homepage - Moving Medicine

EXi

https://www.macmillan.org.uk/documents/cancerinfo/physicalactivity/movemore.pdf

https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/walking-for-health/

How to get active indoors - Heart Matters magazine (bhf.org.uk)

10-minute workout with BHF Physical Activity Specialist

6 tips for getting fit after 50 - Heart Matters | BHF

12-week fitness plan - NHS (www.nhs.uk) (partly couch to 5k but also 10 minute exercise series)

https://www.parkrun.org.uk/basingstoke/

https://5kyourway.org/

https://safefit.nhs.uk/

https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/10-minute-home-toning-workout/

https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/10-minute-legs-bums-tums-home-workout/

https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/10-minute-home-cardio-workout/

https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/walking-for-health/

https://www.steppingstoneshw.co.uk/

Yoga with Daphne links from WCT

https://youtu.be/ax6vyrDSuLo

https://youtu.be/o7tL8cJeros

Wildflower Yoga link from WCT– gentle Yoga suitable for all including  those with Heart Conditions or arthritis

https://youtu.be/qPjcfMMJEm8

https://youtu.be/aPDReNaKs6o

https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/walking-for-health/

Tai Chi video links - 

Wessex Cancer Trust

https://youtu.be/Osota3-n8SI

https://youtu.be/n9g3qTZmnR4

Tai Chi video links-

Mountbatten

https://youtu.be/ggnfsxa4I8g

Breast Cancer Now link to Sport England

https://cas5-0-urlprotect.trendmicro.com:443/wis/clicktime/v1/query?url=https%3a%2f%2fbreastcancercare.herokuapp.com%2fcards%2f1337%2fdetail%3fback%3d%252Fpersonal&umid=8c166180-c00b-43ab-87ef-99b3292e53eb&auth=e956d4e801a29d4b16f358f6efec87033cf96c3c-05cabc75a3a203745a0eb17a4af6fbe7e431d039

A cancer diagnosis can impact yours and your caregivers emotional wellbeing. You may experience anxiety, sadness, anger and fear. This is common and not an unexpected reactions to such difficult news.

There are many things you can do to help yourself, have a look at some of the links below. If you feel you are struggling to manage your feelings and it is impacting you everyday, then speak to your healthcare providers. They can support you with coping skills and relaxation techniques, and if that does not help, they can refer you to the Psycho-Oncology service for more specialist input. 

NHS - Mental health  

NHS - Every Mind Matters  

NHS - Better Health  

NHS Talking Therapies

Macmillan - cancer and your emotions

Mind - self esteem

Cancer Research UK - How do I mentally prepare for cancer treatment?

Complementary Therapy Service Information

Our new Complementary Therapy service is available to all oncology outpatients currently undergoing treatment within Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

The clinics are held Monday-Friday, in our Wellbeing Centre at Basingstoke and North Hants Hospital NHS Trust site.  The team offer a range of professional complementary therapies, including: Aromatherapy, Acupuncture, Massage Therapy, Scar Massage, Reflexology and Manual Lymphatic Drainage.

If you are interested, please speak to your healthcare professional who will refer you to this service. You will then receive a telephone call from our Lead Complementary Therapist, who will help you to decide which therapy is most suitable for you.

Sometimes eating can be complicated by cancer and its treatment. You may have lost your appetite or are struggling to keep weight on. You may have side effects from your treatment that is affecting your diet and appetite. Maintaining a good nutritional status can help you tolerate treatments better, recover from surgery faster, and keep you doing the things you love.

Perhaps you have questions about how to make your diet as healthy as possible after treatment, or you want to know what you should and shouldn't be eating if you have cancer. Find information and advice here. If you feel you need additional support from a dietitian, speak to your specialist nurse who can screen and refer you for support. 

Why not try our self screening tool for personalised nutritional advice on eating with cancer?

Either scan the QR code on the poster below, or go to Eating well with cancer - Welcome to Wessex Cancer Alliance to find out more!

"Want to know about eating with cancer?" - Poster to print

Mouth Care During Your Cancer Treatment - YouTube

Food Facts | British Dietetic Association (BDA)

Patient information leaflets :: Hampshire Hospitals

Macmillan - Eating Problems and Cancer

Macmillan - Eating Problems and Cancer - audiobook

WELLBEING AND SUPPORTIVE CARE SERVICE

COMPLEMENTARY THERAPY

INFORMATION FOR PATIENTS

What are Complementary Therapies?

Complementary therapies are natural, gentle, non-invasive treatments which can be used alongside conventional medical treatments. There are a wide range of different therapies, each has their own unique benefits. They can help restore physical and emotional balance, help provide relaxation and create a feeling of wellbeing. They may help with a range of physical and emotional symptoms such as:

• Aches and pains
• Peripheral neuropathy
• Insomnia
• Headaches
• Hot flushes
• Anxiety and depression
• Fear
• Lymphedema
• Poor body image
• Low self-esteem
• Acupuncture

What is it and how can it help?

Acupuncture involves putting fine needles into the body at particular points. The needles stay in place for a short time. The practitioner then removes it.
Acupuncture first started in traditional East Asian medicine. It became an important part of Chinese medicine about 2000 years ago. But we now know how it works in scientific terms as well.
Ancient Chinese medicine suggests that energy called Qi flows through the body. It moves along channels called meridians. Acupuncture alters this flow to restore or optimise good health.
Western medical acupuncture is a modern interpretation of acupuncture based on scientific research. Practitioners give treatments following a medical diagnosis. They can give it alongside conventional cancer treatments. These include cancer drugs or radiotherapy.
Acupuncture is used to treat a wide range of pain conditions and some other symptoms. Many doctors train in Western medical acupuncture. Other qualified health professionals also often train to use acupuncture alongside anticancer treatments.

Why people with cancer use it

Medical research shows that acupuncture works by stimulating nerves. It releases the natural morphine-like substances (endorphins) in the spinal cord and brain. This relieves pain. Acupuncture also releases serotonin. Serotonin is a pain reliever which can promote a feeling of wellbeing. The release of these substances can reduce cancer symptoms.
People with cancer might have acupuncture to relieve sickness. This can be because of chemotherapy or other cancer drugs.
Acupuncture is available in most hospitals, hospices and clinics. Your doctor might refer you to have acupuncture because you have pain or other symptoms such as:

• tiredness and weakness (fatigue)
• a dry mouth
• breathlessness
• hot flushes due to anti-cancer treatments

People say that acupuncture also helps them to feel relaxed. And it improves their feeling of wellbeing.

Aromatherapy

What is it and how can it help?

Aromatherapy is the therapeutic use of plant-derived, aromatic essential oils to promote physical and psychological well-being.   

Essential oils contain a combination of chemical compounds which have various therapeutic properties and have different positive effects on the body. Essential oils are blended with carrier oils and creams and can be applied to the skin via massage or inhaled through the nose.  

Used in the right combination by a professional aromatherapist, they may provide relief from a wide range of symptoms such as:

• Anxiety
• Stress
• Pain relief
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Insomnia
• Menopausal symptoms

Massage Therapies

Massage has been practiced in most cultures throughout history and was one of the earliest tools that people used to try to relieve pain. A massage therapist will apply different massage techniques to areas of the body to ease pressure and tension in the soft tissues.

The massage therapist will apply different massage techniques and varying levels of pressure to muscular areas of the body. Massage increases delivery of blood and oxygen to these areas, warms them and helps the body to relax by relieving tension and pain in the soft tissues.  Massage therapies can help:

• Promote a feeling of relaxation
• Lift mood
• Reduces stress and anxiety
• Alleviate pain and tension in the muscles and soft tissues
• Provide emotional stability, easing fears and anxieties

Scar Tissue Massage

Scar Tissue Massage is a specific massage technique that can be useful in helping to manage post-surgery symptoms, particularly following mastectomies. The therapist applies specific gently massage techniques to the scar and surrounding areas which assists in breaking down the excess collagen and fibrous tissue, effectively smoothing the fascia and connective tissues to improve any tightness and restrictions in mobility to the surrounding area.  The therapist can demonstrate techniques to the patient for self-massage at home.

Reflexology

Reflexology is a touch therapy that is based on the theory that different reflex points on the feet, lower leg, hands, face and ears correspond with different areas and systems of the body.  

Reflexologists gently work these points by gently massaging and manipulating which helps to restore balance of the pathological pathways. Reflexologists carry out a pre and post foot massage which helps relax the patient. Reflexology can help with:

• Stress and anxiety
• Promotes a feeling of relaxation
• Pain
• Insomnia
• Helps to lift mood
• Improve general sense of wellbeing
• Helps to release feelings of fear

Manual Lymphatic Drainage

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a technique used to help the treatment of swollen lymph nodes. MLD is a light, skin-stretching massage that helps promote the movement of lymphatic fluid out of the swollen limb.  MLD is specifically focused on the lymph vessels to help the flow of lymphatic fluid. 

Therapy is applied to the unaffected areas first, making it possible for the fluid to move out of the affected area, or “decongest” the region.  

MLD helps open the remaining functioning lymph collectors and move protein and fluid into them, as well as to help speed up lymph fluid flow through the lymphatics.

MLD is effective both as a preventative treatment and as a postoperative rehabilitation treatment and has optimal results when it is combined with other elements of complete decongestive therapy.

What is Complementary Therapy - Leaflet to print

Physical or emotional side effects of your diagnosis or treatment can happen immediately or sometimes not for months or years after the event. Sometimes they are short lived, but others can last longer.

Long term impacts of cancer and its treatments are being better recognised and there is support out there. 

Bowel Cancer UK - information and support for living with and beyond bowel cancer

NHS - side effects of chemotherapy and how to manage them

NHS - side effects of radiotherapy and how to manage them

NHS - living with bowel cancer

NHS - living with breast cancer

Breast cancer now - living with and beyond breast cancer

Pelvic Radiation Disease Association 

Ileostomy & Internal Pouch Association - 

Cancer Research UK - side effects of cancer drugs

Macmillan - late effects of cancer treatment and who to speak to 

Mental Health Foundation - cancer and mental health

Your diagnosis may have impacted on your ability to work or provide an income for your family. This can be very worrying and stressful.

Know your rights and access support. We have Macmillan Citizen's Advice case workers working across Hampshire Hospitals who you can talk to for advice and practical support.

HAMPSHIRE MACMILLAN CITIZENS ADVICE SERVICE

A Macmillan benefits advice service for people affected by cancer who are living in or being treated in Hampshire or Isle of Wight

What we can help with?
Our dedicated team can offer free, impartial, and confidential information and advice on a range of issues including:
• help with welfare benefit applications and appeals
• help with money matters
• employment issues
• housing issues
• accessing charitable grants and one-off payments
• travel to/from appointments

Our advisers can be contacted by:

• Telephone: 0344 847 7727
• Email: macmillan.cahampshire.cabnet.org.uk

Online referral can be made here Hampshire Macmillan Citizens Advice Service Direct Referral Form (google.com)

Caseworkers can be found across Hampshire hospitals (please book by calling 0344 847 7727):

Working with Cancer

Every two minutes someone is diagnosed with cancer and you can expect the incidence of cancer in the workplace to increase. It’s essential that you and your managers are knowledgeable, equipped, and ready to respond.

Working with Cancer

Working With Cancer Overview - YouTube

Body image is how we think and feel about our bodies, and how we believe other people see us. Cancer and it's treatments can change how we look and feel about our bodies and appearance - it can impact our confidence, our well-being and have a negative affect on our mental health.

People of any age and gender, with any type of cancer can have body image concerns, which may or be not be visible to other people. Even if other people can't see the changes to your body, it can make you feel vulnerable and anxious.

Recovering from treatment can take time - it's important to care for yourself in ways that make you feel good and share how you feel with those you love and care for you, who can offer support and encouragement. Talking to people who have had a similar experience may help. 

There are many ways to improve your body image and become more confident. Speak to your specialist nurse or your healthcare team for advice, and take a look at the links below for useful tips:

Boots Macmillan Beauty Advisors - trained professionals giving free, face to face advice to help you cope with the visible side effects of cancer treatment

Managing your feelings about body changes - Macmillan advice on how to adapt to body changes 

NHS - body image and cancer

Teenage Cancer Trust - is this really me?

Changing Faces - advice and guidance on how to live life with a visible difference 

Look Good Feel Better - supporting women, men and young adults living with cancer

Colostomy UK - Tackling the 'firsts' after stoma surgery to help you enjoy being out and about

Breast Cancer Now - Your body after breast surgery

Lymphoedema Support Network - LSN's new book "Your Lymphoedema" offers information, inspiration and ideas for those affected by lymphoedema.  

5K Your Way - move against cancer

Basingstoke Breast Cancer Self-Help Group - monthly meetings at the Ark Conference Centre

Bowel Cancer UK - chat together online support group

Brain Tumour Support - Hampshire and Dorset regional support 

Breast Cancer Haven - self help videos and audio to support you at home

Cancer Matters Wessex - cancer care map

Cancer Services Partnership - patients, families, carers and professionals together

Countess of Brecknock Hospice (Andover) - volunteer befriending service

Hampshire Asbestos Support and Awareness Group (HASAG)

Hampshire & IOW IA - ileostomy & internal pouch association support group for all ages

Heartburn Cancer UK - Barrett's, Stomach and Oesophageal Cancer Support (BSOCS)

Jane Scarth House - the home of Romsey Cancer Support Centre

Macmillan Cancer Support - list of local cancer support groups by postcode

Maggies - cancer support and information in centres across the UK and online

MENtalk - male only cancer support group

North Hampshire Prostate Cancer Support Group - support for men and their partners 

Ovacome - support and information for ovarian cancer

Ovacome younger women's ovarian cancer support group - virtual support group for under 45s

Romsey Cancer Support Centre - support for anyone whose life is affected by cancer

Shine Cancer Support - for young adults with cancer

The Pink Place - Support for woman affected by cancer

The Blue Space - Support for men affected by cancer

The Fountain Centre, The Royal Surrey Hospital - providing holistic and emotional cancer support

Victoria's Promise - for women aged 18 - 45 and their families

Wessex Cancer Trust - wellbeing support for anyone affected by cancer

Wessex Urology Support Group - Whiteley, near Fareham

Winchester and Eastleigh Cancer Support Group - breast, ovarian, lung and bone cancer

Who can help support me or my family in the community?

There is support available in the community throught your local GP. There are social prescribers, health and wellbeing coaches and care co-ordinators who work across Hampshire, based in GP practices, who can support you and you family during and after cancer treatment. Ask you GP practice if you feel you could benefit from their support. 

Social prescribers

There are social prescribers working across Hampshire. They are based in GP practices and can help to support you by taking time to find out 'what matters to you' and creating a personalised plan. They can link you in with local community groups for practical and emotional support. What is social prescribing?

Health and Wellbeing Coaches

A coach’s main role is to help people to take an active role in looking after their own health and wellbeing, particularly people with long-term conditions that can be managed through lifestyle changes. We aim to help people make these positive lifestyle changes, with the aim of leading to long-term behaviour change by setting goals and targets, establishing healthier habits and increasing peoples knowledge, skills and confidence.

Care Co-ordinators 

Working closely with GPs, care coordinators ensure patient health and care planning is timely, efficient and patient-centred. They are responsible for the patient's journey through primary and secondary care. By bringing together all the information about a person's identified care and support needs, they explore options to meet these within a personalised care and support plan, based on what matters to the person.

Exercise specialists

Being as active as possible before, during and after your cancer treatment can help you feel good and maintain your independence, tolerate treatments better, and recover from surgery faster.
Cancer Rehabilitation exercise specialists are trained to support people with cancer before, during and after treatment. You can access these specialists via the links below or you can ask for a referral from your healthcare professionals or GP.

Winchester area
Winchester Sport & Leisure Park Health and Wellbeing Programme - Everyone Active
Basingstoke area
Stepping Stones Health & Well-being - rehabilitation exercise and specialty fitness classes for all ages and abilities
Andover area
I Can Therapy Centre - power assisted exercise for everybody
Alton area
Basingstoke & Alton Cardiac Rehab - helping improve heart health, fitness and wellbeing