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Support on hand for patients facing cancer

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Cancer support networks have been set up across West Lancashire to help, guide and support patients who have cancer or their carers.

Staff are on hand to give a wide variety of support and guidance on coping with cancer at the events organised by West Lancashire Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Service

Monthly meetings are held in Parbold, Banks and Tarleton and on weekdays in Skelmersdale.

Out of the main 10 cancers found in people across England – people in West Lancashire are more likely to develop cancer in three of these areas, according to health data relating to 2008-10. These areas of prevalence include breast cancer, prostate cancer and skin cancer.

Macmillan points out cancer can affect all aspects of a person’s life, not just their health and the team will be highlighting issues around the financial impact of the disease with many people faced with extra costs they hadn’t considered.

Its research shows four in five people with cancer are £570 a month worse off as a result of their diagnosis, often due to being unable to work and having increased costs such as travel to hospital or increased fuel bills.

Caroline Flynn, Macmillan Information and Support Service Manager for West Lancashire, said: “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 focus on what’s most important, their health. We work closely with West Lancashire Citizens Advice as well as a range of other organisations that can provide free and confidential advice.

“On the dates mentioned we’re here at a variety of venues across West Lancashire to answer any questions about cancer. Whether people want to know what symptoms to look out for, need advice about managing the side effects of their treatment or want to find local support for carers, come along and see us. We are here to help you.”

Elaine Deeming, Lead Cancer Nurse, from Southport and Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust added: “This is a great service designed to provide help, guidance and support to patients from West Lancashire. We have already had a lot of positive feedback across the four areas on how invaluable the Macmillan team has been.”

People unable to visit the centre or outreach services but who have questions about cancer can visit www.macmillan.org.uk or call Macmillan free on 0808 808 00 00, Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm. Local Macmillan services are at www.macmillan.org.uk/in-your-area/choose-location.html.

If cancers are detected early these cancers can often be treated and kept at bay and patients can often go on to make a full recovery. If you ever notice any changes to your body or things don’t seem to be working as normal – please ‘Stay Safe’ and book an appointment to see your GP.

Macmillan, Southport and Ormskirk hospitals and West Lancashire CCG work in close partnership to help and support patients with cancer across West Lancashire.

Where and When?

Macmillan Cancer Information and Support is available:

Macmillan Information and Support Centre, Concourse Shopping Centre, Skelmersdale

WN8 6NL Open Monday – Friday: 1pm-4.30pm (Closed bank holidays).

CHAT Support Group at the Centre: First Monday of the month between 1.30pm-3pm

Carers’ Support Group: First Tuesday of the month 1.30pm-3pm.

 

Parbold Surgery, 4 The Green, Parbold WN8 7DN on the first Wednesday of the month between 9.30am-11.30am.

 

North Meols Medical Centre, Church Road, Banks, Southport PR9 8ET on the second Wednesday of the month between 9.30am-11.30am.

 

Tarleton Health Centre, Gorse Lane, Tarleton PR4 6UJ on the last Friday of the month between 9.30am-11.30am.

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