We launched www.cancercaremap.org in 2018. A lot has happened in that time, not only to the delivery of cancer care, but to the world as we know it. Support services in the UK have found new ways to adapt to the world we now find ourselves in.

Co-director, Robin Pritchard explains how the project came about and their future plans.

“At the end of 2021 we commissioned a piece of research through YouGov, talking specifically to people who had had cancer or were undergoing treatment:

• Over a third of those surveyed (39%) either weren’t aware of or can’t recall being told about additional help available such as counselling, financial support, and transport services.
• Only half of those surveyed (48%) who felt that they needed additional support after their diagnosis were able to access help when they needed it.
• A third of those surveyed (33%) didn’t feel able to talk to their GP about worries and concerns after finishing their cancer treatment.

In 2022, Jonathan Dimbleby, Chair of The Richard Dimbleby Cancer Fund, appeared on BBC Breakfast to help raise awareness of Cancer Care Map. He said, “When you are diagnosed with cancer it is a moment of extreme anxiety. After you’ve had your clinical treatment you almost always need support for weeks, months, and even years ahead. This can take many forms: emotional, practical and financial. The sole purpose of Cancer Care Map, which is supported by the NHS, is to provide the information you need to help you through this testing journey. Our research shows that many, many people are missing out on this kind of support. Cancer Care Map allows anyone to find out what is available to them close to where they live. All it takes is the click of a button.”

The original idea for Cancer Care Map came from Jonathan. Our work at the time was focused predominantly on the Dimbleby Cancer Care services at Guy’s Cancer Centre, but we were always asked by people how they could find out about what support services were available near them. We undertook a piece of research with Guy’s and St Thomas’ and began to map services in the wider local area. We found there was no comprehensive central place to find out about cancer care in the UK. Directories for specific tumour groups or charity-run services existed, but nothing solely focused on cancer support. Google searches often lacked clarity or up-to-date, safe advice. This led to the creation of Cancer Care Map: a comprehensive, free-to-access, trusted directory of cancer care services in the UK.

We carried out workshops with patients, carers, and GPs to find out what they wanted and launched the pilot site in 2018. The full site went live on #WorldCancerDay 2019.

The biggest impact on cancer care since then has been COVID-19 – not only the virus itself but the knock-on effects of isolation and delayed cancer treatments. During the lockdown in March 2020, many cancer support centres had to close. Face-to-face support, vital for many, stopped. To adapt, organisations moved to virtual support: helplines, video calls, chatrooms, and even virtual exercise classes. These methods have remained even as services reopened, creating new ways to connect with people.

When we first launched, we had 150 organisations on the map. Today, we list over 4,000 local and national support services and add more each week. We work with NHS healthcare trusts to include all local services and ensure that all information is checked and verified before adding. Each listing is updated every 3-4 months to ensure accuracy.

Our aim is to continue growing Cancer Care Map, ensuring that anyone in the UK affected by cancer knows we are here to help them find the support they need. By visiting Cancer Care Map, you’ll find trusted, up-to-date help and support you may not have known was available.”

Cancer Care Map is a stand-alone, comprehensive, independent, free-to-use online directory of cancer support services in the UK, providing verified and regularly updated information accessible to all.

• Find support for families, loved ones, carers, and those living with cancer.
• Cancer Care Map collaborates with charities, NHS services, private practices, and support groups across the UK.
• All information is checked and verified by our team.
• Listings are updated every 3-4 months to ensure accuracy.
• Find psychological and emotional support, health and wellbeing services, and practical help anywhere in the UK.
• Over 4,000 organisations are listed on Cancer Care Map.
• Over 180,000 people accessed the site in the last 12 months.

Follow us on Twitter/X and Instagram @CancerCareMap and find us on Facebook.com/CancerCareMap.