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Share your story about living with or beyond cancer

With 2 million people living with or beyond cancer in the UK, Macmillan believes more must be done to support these people after treatment. The impact of a cancer diagnosis does not stop when the treatment does. Find out how these people live with or beyond their cancer diagnosis.

Find out more...

Download Two million reasons [PDF, 756kb], our new publication on living with or beyond cancer.

Share your story with other people affected by cancer in our online community.

Share your photos, stories and thoughts with other people living with or beyond cancer on our Lifemap.

Supporting people living with or beyond cancer is a paramount concern. We need to make a difference now. If you would like to share your story, email us with your contact details, and we'll send you a 'Tell us your story' form to fill out.
Contact us at
survivorship@macmillan.org.uk

Paul's story

Paul is 44 years old and lives in Runcorn, Cheshire. He was diagnosed with testicular cancer in April 2002. He found chemotherapy particularly difficult and suffered badly from sickness during his treatment. He was made redundant from his job as a manager of a travel agents and has found it extremely difficult to find a new job.



Find information and support on remaining in or returning to work.


Bharti's story

Bharti is 50 years old and lives in Wembley, London. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in Feb 2005. She was treated quickly but wasn't given any warning about the side effects of the drugs she would need to take afterwards.She worked as a sales manager and loved her job but had to take early retirement because of her ill health.



Share your experiences and find support from others at a cancer self help and support group.


A person affected by cancerNeil's story

"Since my diagnosis of bladder cancer, I've been made to feel totally unwelcome by my managers at work. I've gone from being one of the most trained in my team to one of the least. I've taken very little time off for my treatment and check-ups and I've tried to be even more productive. But I've got no support and no one's talking to me. I can't afford to resign, but that's what I feel like doing."
Neil, 51, Glasgow

Join our Working through cancer campaign to help people affected by cancer in the workplace.


A person affected by cancerSu's story

"You never stop being a carer. Even though Wyn is back at work we still have to think about where we go on holiday and where and what we eat because of the long-term side effects of his treatment. I had been constantly by his side for a year and a half so it was difficult for him not to have me around. I had to make him start driving again and help him find the confidence to go out by himself and become independent once more."
Su, 46, Swansea, who looked after her husband Wyn for 18 months when he was diagnosed with cancer four years ago

If you're caring for a person affected by cancer, Macmillan can help.


A person affected by cancerJosh's story

"My cancer was in my neck and voice box. I am now a laryngectomee after surgery almost two years ago. It's been a hard battle getting back to some sort of normality. I've five allotments, and although I'm driving my van and tractor again, I still get breathless and have real difficulty lifting heavy loads when I'm gardening. My speech has returned but it can come out a little gargled sometimes. People who don't know me well have a problem understanding me."
Josh, 71, Cleveland

Share your story with other people affected by cancer in our online community.


A person affected by cancerAlison's story

"I've been through surgery, reconstruction, and a hysterectomy. I'm now on treatment drugs for the next seven years and am suffering from horrendous side effects. My joints are painful and weak from the lack of oestrogen in my body, and I sleep very poorly because of my night sweats. In hospital they gave me sleeping pills, but now I'm an outpatient, my GP refuses to prescribe them. I'm beginning to wonder if the quality of my everyday life is worth sacrificing for these drugs."
Alison, 45, Derbyshire, diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007

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