Ask an expert
The Throat Cancer Foundation has built a network of esteemed medical and health professionals who have offered us their expertise and time.
Further help
Here we have gathered a number of useful resources and phone numbers for those facing up to a cancer diagnosis. This includes general help and information on cancer, smoking cessation, help with stress and more. This is not an exhaustive list and if there is anything that we haven’t covered please get in touch and we will see if we can help.
GENERAL CANCER INFORMATION AND SUPPORT
There are many charities and organisations who can support patients and their families when they are facing a cancer diagnosis. We will provide links to their sites and also their phone numbers too. The Throat Cancer Foundation is not responsible for the content of other links. All patients will have different needs and any urgent concerns should also be raised with their doctor or medical team.
Macmillan – One of the largest cancer organisations in the UK and has a wealth of resources available on their website. This includes information about cancer types, treatment, clinical trials, financial support and more. There is a helpline number 0808 808 00 00 lines are open Monday to Friday 9am to 8pm. Calls are free from landlines.
Cancer Research UK – UK based organisation which has a number of resources accessible on line and via the telephone. General information on cancer, treatment, research projects and clinical trials. Cancer Research have a nurses helpline too. The number is 0808 800 40 40 and is available Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.
Maggie’s Centres – There are 14 Maggie’s Centres around the UK and they offer comprehensive cancer support and advice service. Their website can show you where the nearest one to you is and how to access their services.
NHS Choices – This is the NHS information website and has general information about cancer, treatment, clinical trials and your rights in the NHS in England. For information about Scotland click here, for Wales hereand for Northern Ireland here.
Wigs – This resource is intended to help those impacted by hair loss navigate through the wig buying process. The guide educates readers on important features to consider when selecting a wig such as type, size, material and style. It also compares brands and retailers using expert and consumer reviews.
OTHER CANCER SUPPORT ORGANISATIONS
Here are some other organisations which can offer specific support for different conditions, treatments or side effects which can affect people who have throat cancer.
Butterfly Thyroid Trust – this organisation offer support to all those affected by thyroid cancer. They have a range of services which can help people facing a thyroid cancer diagnosis.
My Name is Not Cancer – helping cancer patients to maintain their identity when facing up to a cancer diagnosis. You stand out, your illness doesn’t. Lots of resources and support on their website.
Lymphoedema Support Network – Lymphoedema is a chronic condition which can affect people who have had radiotherapy treatment. Lymphoedema can be managed with the right support, click through for more information.
The Ben Walton Trust – A Scotland based oral cancer charity who were founded by the family of Ben Walton who sadly lost his life aged only 22. Have been instrumental in raising awareness of oral cancers in young people and raising educational standards for medics. For more information click through.
The National Association of Laryngectomee Clubs (NALC) – If you or someone you love has to face the challenge of laryngectomy then you should contact this organisation. They can help people cope with the change in their life lives with emotional support and other practical measures to ensure that patients facing this challenge can get the highest quality of life possible.
The Institute of Head and Neck Studies and Education (InHANSE) focuses on research of diseases of the head, neck and thyroid, and on the education of health professionals in the field.
Mesothelioma Guide is your trusted ally in the fight against asbestos-related cancer. We provide up-to-date information about living with mesothelioma, top doctors, treatment options, and more
SMOKING CESSATION
We know smoking is a very hard habit to give up and it can be even harder if you are going through a stressful period. That is why it can help to have support and advice from professionals. It has been proven that you are more likely to quit if you use nicotine replacement therapy than will power alone.
GP – Your GP can help you with smoking cessation. There are nicotine replacement therapies and support groups you can join. To find a GP click here for England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales.
Other resources – there are free sources for advice and nicotine replacement therapy available across the UK:
- England – 0800 022 4332 Monday to Friday 9am to 8pm, Saturday to Sunday 11am to 4pm.
- Northern Ireland Smoking Helpline 0800 858585 – If you live in Northern Ireland you can order your free Quit Kit here
- Scotland Smoking Helpline 0800 848484
- Smoking Helpline 0800 085 2219 – If you live in Wales you can order your free Fresh Start pack here
HELP COPING
When someone is diagnosed with cancer it is very stressful and difficult time for everyone: patients, family members, friends. Some people find it useful to contact mental health professionals to talk and get advice on how to cope.
Samaritans – Samaritans provides confidential, round the clock support to anyone feeling low or struggling to cope.
People contact them about all kinds of things including health worries, financial concerns, anxiety, relationship breakdown, depression and thoughts of suicide. You can contact Samaritans 24 hours a day, 365 days a year by calling 08457 90 90 90 or from the Republic of Ireland call 1850 60 90 90.
You can also email for support via jo@samaritans.org. Volunteers also provide face-to-face support at our branches during set opening times. Please visit the website to find your nearest Samaritans branch here.
Breathing Space – Scotland based charity for mental health issues. Call 0800 83 85 87 Monday to Thursday 6pm to 2am and Friday to Sunday 6pm to 6am.
Mind – resources and information about mental health and coping with anxiety and stress.
If there is anything that we can do to help, or information that you feel should be mentioned here then contact us here.
Help coping
When people are facing a cancer diagnosis and undergoing treatment it can be a long and difficult journey.
Patient journeys
A problem shared is a problem halved – we want to use section of our website to share other patients journeys from diagnosis to living beyond cancer.
Medical terminology
When dealing with doctors and other medical professionals, there may be terms used that you don’t quite understand. To help make things clearer, we have created this glossary and hope you will find it helpful.
Nutrition
In this section we are going to look at the importance of nutrition and eating well when suffering from cancer of the head and neck.
Available Support
There is lots of help available though and we have compiled a list of useful resources which will guide you through the support that is available to patients and their families.
Buddy system
Buddy system TO BE ADDED. Want to help TCF? The Throat Cancer Foundation is a registered charity, and as such,
Get in touch
If you’d like to get in touch with us – call 0203 4754 065 or email hello@throatcancerfoundation.org. We’ll always get back to you as quickly as we can, but if you’re struggling to cope it may be helpful to talk to someone immediately. Visit the ‘Support’ area for some options.
