Known for it’s Fringe Festival, Royal Mile and famous castle, Edinburgh is also host to an amazing selection of cancer support services for those living in the city and surrounding areas.
The latest in our City Spotlight series takes a look at a handful of the incredible services available in the city of Edinburgh.
Please note, due to COVID-19 restrictions, the services available may be subject to change or temporarily suspended. Contact the organisations directly to find out more.
Prostate Scotland is a detailed online Information service providing information and support for all those affected by prostate cancer. It covers everything from early diagnosis through treatment and offers a wealth of practical advice and help plus signposting to local events and support groups in Scotland.
Marie Curie Hospice: Edinburgh
Part of a world famous health organisation this hospice provides a range of short-term care options to help people live well with a terminal illness, including in-patient care, at-home care and community services. Marie Curie provide emotional support, complementary therapies, occupational therapy, advice on welfare rights, and group workshops. They also offer a full support service for friends and family. The website has details of services affected by Covid.
Maggie’s is a support centre located at Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, providing useful information, activities and a space to meet and share experiences with others affected by cancer. Services include support groups, welfare and benefits advice, wellbeing workshops and complementary therapies. People are encouraged to drop in for a chat, please visit the website for more details and to check on Covid regulations.
Located on Young Street in the city centre this charity offers support and information to people living with bowel cancer and those affected by it, including family and friends. They run social meet ups and free support and information days where expert speakers, share their experiences and take part in workshops. Information and support is also available online through an interactive forum and as downloadable factsheets and booklets. They also organise events and to raise awareness of the disease. Some events have been cancelled because of Covid, please check their website for details.
St Columba’s is a state of the art hospice providing support and care to people living with cancer and other life-limiting illnesses. They aim to improve and maintain the physical, social and psychological wellbeing of the patients and support their families and carers. The hospice provide complementary therapy, psychological and emotional support, chaplaincy, bereavement support and more. They believe in extending their care out into the community.
Brain Tumour Action: Edinburgh Support Group
Based at Maggie’s centre this support group is open to everyone affected by a brain tumour, including friends and relatives. They offer practical and professional support and information plus the chance to share experiences and issues relating to living with or caring for someone with a brain tumour. They normally offer two meeings a month, but please check with Alice McGregor via the website with the current climate.
If you have used or know of any cancer support services in Edinburgh or beyond, visit our website to add a service to our Cancer Care Map.
We spoke with The Loss Foundation, the UK’s only charity dedicated to supporting people bereaved by the loss of a loved one to cancer. Tell us about your organisation? Dr. Erin Thompson (MBE), our founder, started the charity in 2010 after losing her dad to cancer in 2008 and realising how little support existed for […]
For over 25 years, Ovacome has been supporting individuals affected by ovarian cancer. In this guest blog, for World Ovarian Cancer Day on 8th May 2025, they talk us through why raising awareness of this disease is so important, as well as ways in which you can get involved or get support from the charity. […]