Cancer

Cancer Research UK - Coronavirus Information

Cancer research UK has put together a page with lots of information to help patients with Cancer handle the Coronavirus pandemic.

Website: www.cancerresearchuk.org/coronavirus

The Swallows

“The Swallows” is a Head and Neck Cancer Support Group for patients and their carers, in mid and north Bedfordshire.

Telephone: 07779 169833 or 24/7 support line 07504 725059

Email: info@theswallows.org.uk

Website: www.theswallows.org.uk

Beds Prostate Cancer Support Group

A local Prostate Cancer support group meets at Bedford Borough Bowling Club, Goldington Road.

Telephone: Steve, 01234 960414 or Brian, 01234 767256

Email: sw.pearce@sky.com

Website: prostatecanceruk.org/beds-prostate

Bosum Pals

Bosum Pals is a self help and support group for anyone who has been diagnosed with breast cancer.

Website: www.bosum-pals.org.uk

MacMillan Cancer Support

Provides practical, medical and financial support for people with cancer. Their website has information on a range of topics including living with cancer, support for carers, and facing the end of life. Many of their leaflets can be downloaded.

Telephone: 08088 080000

Website: www.macmillan.org.uk

Marie Curie

Giving care and support through terminal illness.

Website: www.mariecurie.org.uk

Bowel Cancer UK

Bowel Cancer UK would like to invite patients across Bedford Borough to ‘Chat Together’, their online meet-up for those living with and beyond bowel cancer.

Chat Together is a FREE 1hr weekly Zoom call with a small group of people who have been affected by bowel cancer.

The six week programme offers a chance for those affected to share experiences in a warm, friendly and supportive environment.

Website: www.bowelcanceruk.org.uk/how-we-can-help/supportevents/chat-together/

Email: supportevents@bowelcanceruk.org.uk 

Early Detection of Cancers

Spotting cancer at an early stage saves lives. Getting cancer diagnosed at an early stage, when treatment is more likely to be successful, can make a real difference. An understanding of what’s normal for your body means you’re more likely to notice any unusual changes. If you have any concerns that you would like to discuss with one of our GPs please do not hesitate to call us and request a GP telephone consultation in the first instance. If the doctor needs to see you for examination, further discussion or investigations he will arrange this for you.

Screening can detect cancer before any symptoms appear so we strongly encourage you to respond you any invitations you receive for the national screening programmes such as for bowel, breast and cervical cancers.

For more information please visit the Cancer Research UK website:

www.cancerresearchuk.org – How do I check for cancer?

Please also view the easy read “Spotting cancer early saves lives” leaflet from Cancer Research UK.

Bedford Daycare Hospice

Bedford Daycare Hospice provides holistic care for adults suffering with a life limiting illness who are registered with a Bedford Borough or Central Bedfordshire GP. Cancer and non-cancer patients alike are cared for in a calm, homely environment from the point of diagnosis, through investigations and treatment to remission or palliative care. The ‘whole person’ is cared for; mind, body and spirit. Away from the clinical environment the patient can just be themselves in a safe place where the focus is on living.

Telephone: 01234 352015

Website: www.bedforddaycarehospice.org.uk

Contact: linda.byer@bdc-hospice.org.uk

PEPS / Palliative Care Hub

The palliative care hub is a palliative care coordination and support service run by Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice in Bedfordshire.

Telephone: 01767 641349

Website: www.sueryder.org

Cancer Research UK

A charity which supports and helps those with Cancer within the UK.

Website: www.cancerresearchuk.org

Myeloma UK

Myeloma UK provides information and support to help you cope with everything a diagnosis of myeloma brings.

The charity’s broad range of services covers all aspects of living with myeloma and includes online and printed information publications, a help and support line, patient and family events, and support groups.

Telephone: 0800 980 3332

Website: www.myeloma.org.uk

Email: askthenurse@myeloma.org.uk