CaRi-heart technology
Revolutionary new technology to assess the risk of a serious heart condition or heart attack – many years before anything happens.
Cancer wellbeing and support at HCA UK
Personalised care and support during treatment and beyond
Our commitment goes beyond your diagnosis, to focus on you and everything that matters to you, making sure you feel heard and supported at all times. Because we know that excellence in cancer care is not just providing you with the most effective treatment, it means caring for you as a whole person.
Putting you at the centre of your care
Caring for you means much more than just treating your cancer. We know that a cancer diagnosis can affect many aspects of your life, so we’re here to support you and your loved ones in every way we can, for as long as you need.
Some people want support from the outset, while others take time – we’re here whenever you’re ready.
So whether you need help with the emotional impact of your diagnosis, the physical impact of treatment or the longer-term effects it can cause, our team can offer support with everything from diet, exercise and body image to intimate relationships and psychological support.
A range of support to suit you
From therapies that support your physical and emotional wellbeing to expert guidance to help you navigate the challenges of your diagnosis, treatment and daily life, our highly experienced and compassionate team is here to help.
Complementary therapies
Complementary therapies can support your physical and emotional wellbeing, help ease anxiety and relieve some treatment side effects. Our therapists offer aromatherapy, massage, reflexology, reiki and acupuncture. You’re welcome to try some sample sessions to help you find what feels most beneficial for you.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy can play an important role in recovery, helping you regain strength, mobility and independence. Our expert physiotherapists provide personalised exercise plans to support you through your treatment and address your specific needs, such as weakness, fatigue or nerve pain.
Lymphoedema therapy
If you’re experiencing lymphoedema, which can affect the arms or legs following radiotherapy or surgery, our specialists can help manage and reduce swelling and discomfort. Treatment and management can include gentle lymphatic drainage massage (LDM), bandaging or compression garments, as well as guidance on self-massage and skincare to support longer-term management.
Speech and language therapy
Cancer or its treatment can affect your speech and ability to swallow, causing difficulty with eating and drinking. Our speech and language therapists offer personalised assessments, practical strategies and tailored exercises to help you communicate.
Dietetics
Good nutrition plays a vital role in supporting your health during and after cancer treatment. Our specialist dietitians will work with you to provide personalised dietary advice, helping you maintain strength, manage side effects and support your body throughout treatment and recovery.
Support for your loved ones
We also recognise that cancer can affect your family and loved ones. That's why our support extends to them too, from helping them understand your diagnosis and treatment to providing resources for their own emotional wellbeing.
Psychology
Being diagnosed with cancer and having treatment can be psychologically challenging. Our specialists are here to support you with counselling and psychological therapies, offering a safe and confidential space to explore your concerns and emotions, including issues with body image, relationships, low mood, and returning to work.
Supportive services
Alongside your clinical care and supportive therapies, we offer a range of other services designed to help you and your loved ones. Our goal is to make sure you feel listened to, respected and cared for as an individual. If you have questions or need support at any time, please get in touch.
Our guides and resources provide clear, reliable information, covering everything from treatment options and managing side effects to support with family communication. We also provide signposting to trusted services and support networks that you might need.
Every HCA UK site has an Information Champion to ensure our information is accurate, up-to-date and available when you need it. You can also visit one of the Information Centres located near most of our treatment facilities including the Macmillan Patient Information Centre, at 81 Harley Street.
Many people find that connecting with others who understand what they’re going through can be incredibly helpful. We run regular support groups and events led by members of our clinical team. These sessions provide a safe, supportive and welcoming space to share experiences, learn about treatments and side effects, ask questions, or simply spend time with people in a similar situation.
Staying active before, during or after cancer treatment can feel challenging, but the right support can help. Our physiotherapists will assess your particular needs and recommend suitable exercise or exercise groups, offering safe, effective routines designed to help maintain strength, mobility and overall wellbeing.
Meet your support team
Your care team is here to support your wellbeing from diagnosis through to treatment and follow-up care.
Clinical nurse specialists are expert nurses with specialist knowledge in particular types of cancer and its treatment. They’ll help you navigate your care, advocate for your individual needs and provide guidance and support to you and your loved ones.
You’ll usually meet your CNS when you are first diagnosed or during your first consultation.
They’ll coordinate your care with the wider clinical team, providing medical, practical and emotional support throughout your treatment and follow-up care. They can also refer you to other specialists who can support you, including physiotherapists, dietitians and psychologists, when needed.
Our team of specialist therapists provide a range of services, including physiotherapy, speech and language therapy, complementary therapies and lymphoedema therapy. Every member of the team is highly experienced in supporting people affected by cancer.
Being diagnosed with cancer and having cancer treatment can be psychologically challenging. Our team of expert psychologists provide counselling and psychological therapies for people with cancer and their loved ones. Should you need it, they offer a confidential space to explore your emotions and develop coping strategies.
Some cancer treatments can affect your appetite and what you’re able to eat. They may also cause side effects that can make eating and drinking difficult. Our specialist dietitians provide personalised advice on food and drink options to help maintain strength, manage side effects and support your overall health and wellbeing.
DEDICATED SUPPORT 24/7
Your LOC triage line
The LOC triage line is your dedicated telephone support service, run by a team of experienced cancer nurses to support you whilst receiving your systemic anti-cancer treatment at LOC.
Whether you have medical concerns, questions about your treatment, or need advice about side effects, the triage line is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so help is always just a phone call away.
When you call, an experienced LOC nurse will be able to access your medical record, they’ll listen to your concern and provide guidance and support. If you need to speak to a consultant or another member of the team, they’ll coordinate that too.
Our triage team works closely with consultants and other clinical specialists to ensure you receive the best possible support, no matter where you are, day or night. We are proud to offer this service, so you can feel safe and supported at all times. So, whether it's 2pm or 2am, whether your question feels big or small, please reach out.
Whether you have medical concerns, questions about your treatment, or need advice about side effects, the triage line is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so help is always just a phone call away.
When you call, an experienced LOC nurse will be able to access your medical record, they’ll listen to your concern and provide guidance and support. If you need to speak to a consultant or another member of the team, they’ll coordinate that too.
Our triage team works closely with consultants and other clinical specialists to ensure you receive the best possible support, no matter where you are, day or night. We are proud to offer this service, so you can feel safe and supported at all times. So, whether it's 2pm or 2am, whether your question feels big or small, please reach out.
Cancer wellbeing and support FAQs
Alongside your clinical care, we offer a range of services designed to help with the physical, emotional and practical effects of cancer. These services are provided by specialist teams who work closely with your clinical team to ensure that support is appropriate for your diagnosis, treatment plan and individual needs.
Yes. Many people continue to benefit from wellbeing services after their treatment has ended. This may include support with recovery, managing longer-term effects of treatment, or emotional support as you adjust to life following treatment. The type and timing of help will depend on your individual circumstances.
Yes, our holistic care services are designed around your individual needs. We recognise that everyone’s experience is different, and support will be guided by your diagnosis, treatment and how you’re feeling at the time.
Your care team will help identify which services may be appropriate at different stages of your care.
Yes, they can. We recognise that a cancer diagnosis can affect family members and those close to you. Where appropriate, our services can extend to loved ones, helping them to understand your diagnosis and treatment and offering practical guidance and support.
Wellbeing specialists work alongside your wider clinical team so that care remains co-ordinated. This means physical, emotional and practical support can be aligned with your treatment plan and offered at appropriate points in your care.
Our services are usually accessed through your consultant, CNS or wider care team, who can discuss suitable options with you. You can also raise questions about support at any time, and your team will let you know what’s available.
You can ask about wellbeing and support at any point – whether you’ve recently been diagnosed, are undergoing treatment, or have completed treatment. If you’re unsure what support might be helpful, your care team can talk this through with you.
“We don’t just provide support with the clinical aspects of care, but give people the confidence and strength to keep enjoying the things that are important to them
I enjoy being able to provide support that improves quality of life, as well as safety”
Reviewed by