Cancer Support Services in Belfast | City Spotlight

09 September 2020 — david-allen

Recent research from the Northern Ireland Cancer Research Registry at Queens University Belfast shows that between 2008 and 2017, the number of cancer cases in NI increased by 15% but there had been an increase in survival rates across the country. This is good news for the people of Northern Ireland who are supported by a range of cancer care services across the nation.

For our latest City Spotlight, we’ve taken a look at just a handful of the amazing services in Belfast.

Please note, due to COVID-19 restrictions, the services available may be subject to change or on temporarily suspended. Contact the organisations directly to find out more.

Cancer Fund for Children

The team at Cancer Fund for Children ensure that no family has to face cancer alone. They’re there for children and young people between 0 and 24 years old that are diagnosed with cancer or those living with a parent with a cancer diagnosis. Offering support at home, in the community and on the hospital ward as well as at their residential centre, they are there to help emotionally, physically and financially.

Pretty ‘n’ Pink

For men and women across Northern Ireland living with breast cancer, as well as their friends, family and carers, Pretty n Pink is a breast cancer support centre providing information and advice, as well as offering access to emotional support and complementary therapies. Since 2006, this charitable organisation has been ran by a team of volunteers and is the only registered breast cancer charity in Northern Ireland.

Friends of the Cancer Centre

Based at the Northern Ireland Cancer Centre, this organisation provides support to cancer patients and their families as they go through treatment.  Providing complementary therapies, exercise classes, and information. The work of Friends of the Cancer Centre focuses on three key areas – patient care, patient comfort and research and their work supports the services provided by the Health Service.

Cancer Focus

Since 1969, this local cancer charity has worked to reduce the impact of cancer on people’s lives. The service provides care and support services for cancer patients and their families and offers a range of cancer prevention programmes to help people lessen their risk of getting cancer. One to one support can be offered in your home or at the service centre in Belfast, as well as phone support when you need advice or someone to talk to.

Cancer Lifeline

A ‘home from home’ support centre for all people affected by a cancer diagnosis. The services offered include advice and information, counselling and complementary therapies, wellbeing workshops and support groups. They also have online video support  for small postive changes for health and well being – ideal for those unable to leave the house due to shielding restrictions.

Natter Group Belfast

Based out of the Macmillan Information Centre at Belfast City Hospital, the Natter Group is a support group offering the opportunity to meet others affected by neuroendocrine cancer.  Natter Groups are run by nurse specialists or other people living with neuroendocrine cancer. Since the COVID19 pandemic this group is continuing to run online/by phone via zoom, contact nikie@nc-uk.org for details and link.

If you have used or know of any cancer support services in Belfast or beyond, visit our website to add a service to our Cancer Care Map.