The web Directory of Information Materials for People Affected by Cancer is regularly updated and currently has details of over 1,900 booklets, leaflets, books and audiovisual materials for people affected by cancer. Most have been published in the last five years but we have included some older ones that are still useful.
Cancer Research UK
This leaflet has information about the causes and symptoms of bowel cancer and how to reduce the risk.
Cancer Research UK
This leaflet describes the early signs of skin cancer and includes photographs to help spot the signs.
Breast Cancer Care
This booklet describes chemotherapy and explains how and when it might be used to treat breast cancer, and the possible side-effects. It also discusses issues such as fertility and contraception, and coping with chemotherapy.
Pancreatic Cancer UK
This booklet describes pancreatic cancer, what it is, how it is diagnosed, staging, and treatment options. Includes a glossary.
Cancer Research UK
This leaflet contains information about how cervical screening can detect early changes in the cervix before they develop into cancer. It also provides information about factors affecting the risk of cervical cancer.
Pancreatic Cancer UK
This booklet is for people with pancreatic cancer, their family, friends and carers who want to know more about what may happen in the last few months of life. It includes information about the symptoms that people with pancreatic cancer may get towards the end of their life and how to manage them. There is also information about how to get the care and support you might need, dealing with the emotional impact of dying from pancreatic cancer, and specific information for family members.
Breast Cancer Care
This booklet describes tubular breast cancer, diagnosis, treatment options and coping with the condition.
Breast Cancer Care
A booklet for women whose breast cancer has been diagnosed during pregnancy or within a year of giving birth. It describes how breast cancer is diagnosed in pregnancy and the treatment options. It also covers coping with the diagnosis and continuing with the pregnancy.
Breast Cancer Care
A booklet for people who have been diagnosed with secondary cancer in the bones that has spread from the breast. It describes what secondary breast cancer in the bone is, the symptoms, and the investigations. It also describes the treatment options, but not in great detail. Lists useful organisations.
Breast Cancer Care
A booklet for anyone in a relationship with someone who has been diagnosed with breast cancer.
Breast Cancer Care
A booklet for women who are experiencing menopausal symptoms after breast cancer treatment. It has advice on treatments (prescription drugs and complementary therapies) and practical measures for coping with hot flushes, vaginal dryness, loss of libido, mood swings, joint pain and risk of osteoporosis. Includes details of further support.
Macmillan Cancer Support
We have produced the Core Books List to help public libraries and cancer information and support centres improve the quality and reliability of the cancer books they stock. The list includes books about cancer itself and people’s experience of living with cancer. All the books on the list have been reviewed favourably by our volunteer book reviewers. This list is not prescriptive but intended to help libraries to make informed choices between the very wide range of books available, which can be of variable quality and accuracy. Please note: Inclusion of a book in this list does not imply endorsement by Macmillan Cancer Support.
Breast Cancer Care
Many people will lose either some or all of their hair as a result of treatment for breast cancer. For some, this is the most distressing side effect of treatment. Some people find that being prepared for hair loss before it occurs helps them cope better when it happens. This booklet explains how you may lose your hair and the effect it can have. It looks at how to care for your hair and scalp during and after treatment and the different headwear you may want to try, including wigs and headscarves. It includes step-by-step guides to tying headscarves and tips on recreating the illusion of eyebrows and eyelashes. The final part of the booklet discusses what usually happens when your hair grows back and how to look after it.
Sims M
Mark Sims, a young doctor was diagnosed with advanced skin cancer just before his 27th birthday. This is the story of his 23-month wrestle with the disease, his passion to raise awareness and funds for vital research and how he found love quite unexpectedly, while working through his bucket list. Sadly, Mark died on January 19th 2017. His book is being published posthumously. (Publisher)
Barry T
In this, his first venture into the literary world, Terry Barry has succeeded in producing a distinctive, perceptive and truly heartwarming story about his battle with life-threatening illness and disease, drawing on medical records and diary entries and written in an engagingly immediate style, skilfully and sympathetically addressing the physical, psychological and emotional turmoil that affected him, his family and friends, prompting him to re-evaluate his recollection of past events and determining his aspirations and goals for the future (Publisher).
Duhig H
Cancer is a group of diseases in which abnormal cells divide and spread. There are many different kinds of cancer, and different forms of treatment. Cancer is very scary, and can be very difficult to handle physically, emotionally, and mentally. Learning about how cancer affects the body and how it can be treated can help readers who know someone with cancer, or who have cancer themselves. This book can help readers understand complex medical terms and processes through straightforward text. Full-color photographs and fact boxes highlight important information. (Publisher)
After a life of reading and writing, what does it feel like to be deprived of both, to be thrown back only on what’s in your head? The literary snippets that emerge into Todd’s consciousness during a month of radiation are sometimes apt, often ludicrous. They draw her back into childhood in Wales, Bermuda, Ceylon when literature functioned as friend and escape, to her unquiet past in sixties Ghana, then America at the dawn of the rights movements. Her father, nearing 100, is caught in the same ‘hospital-land’: both learn the selfishness of sickness and both respond by telling stories. (Publisher)
Breast Cancer Care
This booklet is for anyone who is dealing with a diagnosis of primary breast cancer and its treatment. It discusses the emotions that may arise, how to tell other people, how to find out more, making decisions about treatment, and the effects of treatment, and looks ahead to the time when treatment is finished.
Belasco A
In her mid-twenties, balancing a stable job and a partying lifestyle, Annie was also on the hunt for a man. She wanted to find Mr Right, get married, buy a house, and live the life she'd always wanted. But then one day, she found a lump ... Breast cancer. The two words that would derail Annie's life. Suddenly she realised how short her life had been, and the very idea of finding love seemed impossible. As her hair fell out, and her social life crumbled, her mental health deteriorated. She began to question if she would actually survive. Struggling with an identity crisis and worryingly low moods, she wondered if she'd ever be able to live the normal life that had been within her reach only months earlier. Love and Remission tells the tale of a young woman in search of love and mental wellbeing. (Publisher)
Macmillan Cancer Support
Over 50 questions about cancer treatment for people to ask their doctor, nurse or pharmacist. There is space to write a list of questions and make notes.
Macmillan Cancer Support
A booklet for young people aged 12-25 years. It aims to help answer some of their questions and to provide tips and guidance. It explains what cancer is and how it can be treated. It also gives practical tips about coping with treatment, relationships and sorting out practical things like school, university, work, and money.
Campbell E
With four children (three of them triplets!) and a relationship break-up to contend with, some things get a little lost in the mix. Like symptoms. Emma Campbell bravely and honestly offers heartfelt thoughts on what happens when cancer becomes an unwelcome guest at an already crowded party. She shares her own terror and pain, mixed with the heartwarming and unexpected. The extraordinary kindness of people and the gritty detail of battling a life-threatening illness, all while being a single mum to four children. She opens up about her angels and demons, losing and then finding love again, a constant fear of death mixed with the joy and relief of living, the anxiety of cancer returning - then facing it when it does. This book has grown from Emma's blog Me And My Four. Eager to share with her followers in more detail, the secrets, the fears, the triumphs and the terrors that she faces each day, in a life as unpredictable as your own... (Publisher)
Macmillan Cancer Support
This booklet is for men who may be having tests for prostate cancer; these may be diagnostic (DRE, PSA, PCA3, TRUS, biopsy, MRI) or tests that may be carried out to determine the stage and grade of prostate cancer (Isotope bone scan, X-rays, MRI and CT scans). It also covers issues such as waiting for test results and talking to healthcare staff. Includes a list of questions to ask and details of further support.
Macmillan Cancer Support
This leaflet is for older people living with cancer. It is aimed at people aged 70 and over, but people under the age of 70 might also find it useful. It explains the different types of treatment and support available. it also has information about living with cancer and other conditions.
Duffy R
This book has been written with the average reader in mind; all the information compiled is easy to understand and directed to a public that may be diagnosed with or fear the diagnosis of testicular cancer. The volume walks the reader through each step, starting from the self-examination all the way through diagnosis, treatment, recovery and returning back to normal after the fight. By reading through this book, readers will gain a better understanding of the condition and will have all the information necessary to empower themselves to fight the cancer successfully and react appropriately to the changes that are about to come. Readers affected by testicular cancer, either directly or if you have a friend/family member who have been diagnosed; this book will be there to guide them every step of the way. (Publisher)
Public Health England
Leaflet aimed at encouraging women over 70 to check their breasts regularly and to go to the doctor as soon as they notice any change.
Derbyshire V
Renowned as a much-loved and highly respected BBC journalist, Victoria Derbyshire has spent 20 years finding the human story behind the headlines. In 2015 she found herself at the heart of the news, with a devastating breast cancer diagnosis. With honesty and openness, she decided to live out her treatment and recovery in the spotlight in a series of video diaries that encouraged thousands to seek diagnosis and help. Victoria has kept a diary since she was nine years old and in this book she shares her day to day experiences of life following her diagnosis and coming to terms with a future that wasn't planned. From the moment she woke up to find her right breast had collapsed, to telling her partner and children, through to mastectomy and chemotherapy. From wearing a wig to work and hiding it from her colleagues, to the relief and joy of finishing treatment before immediately flying to Glasgow to present a debate on the European Referendum. y sharing her story, she became the person that mums, daughters, sisters, husbands, boyfriends and family members contacted to thank as they tried to find ways to cope with their own and their loved ones' prognosis, and needed to know that they were not alone. (Publisher)
Shaw R
12 June 1995. On his twenty-eighth birthday, Raz Shaw was a directionless gambling addict doing a telesales job that was eating up every trace of what soul he had left. The next day he would be diagnosed with stage 4 sclerosing mediastinal non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma of the large cell type. As he tells it, cancer saved his life. He was given the all-clear in March 1996, and stopped gambling for good that April. After a year away recuperating, he turned his back on the highly paid job that had devoured him and re-assimilated himself into the world of theatre that had once made him feel so alive. It took him a long time to realise quite how much these recoveries were bound up with one another – now he is ready to tell his story. Death and the Elephant is a memoir of living through and beyond illness and addiction. Blessed with the ability to find humour even in life’s darkest moments, Raz charts his struggles with irreverence and unflinching perspective. This is his story, but it’s also a universal one – an honest, funny, sometimes raw, and often inappropriate glimpse into the mind of a young man dealing with a life-threatening illness in the only way he knows how: by laughing in its face. (Publisher)
Macmillan Cancer Support
This booklet provides information on the causes and symptoms of vulval cancer, diagnosis and staging, and treatment options and their side-effects. It also discusses feelings and has advice on self-help and support (including financial benefits).
Macmillan Cancer Support
This booklet describes cancer of the cervix, how it develops, the symptoms, how it is diagnosed, further tests following diagnosis, and the treatment options. It also explores the emotional aspects. Includes details of the financial help and benefits available, and useful organisations
Macmillan Cancer Support
This booklet gives information about early cancer of the prostate gland, i.e. cancer that has not spread into the surrounding tissues or to other parts of the body. It describes the prostate gland and prostate cancer, the cause of prostate cancer, the symptoms, PSA testing and other diagnostic tests, the grading and staging of prostate cancer, and the treatment options. It also has information about the feelings you might experience, and how your relationships, work and finances might be affected.
Macmillan Cancer Support
This booklet has information about the most common type of cancer of the pancreas - adenocarcinoma. It describes the risk factors, causes, symptoms, diagnosis, staging, treatment options and follow-up. It also discusses feelings and self-help and includes details of further support and websites.
Macmillan Cancer Support
This booklet gives information about advanced or metastatic cancer of the prostate gland, i.e. cancer that has spread beyond the prostate gland to other parts of the body. It describes the prostate gland and advanced prostate cancer, the symptoms, how it is diagnosed, tests, the grading and staging of prostate cancer, and the treatment options. It concludes with guidance on coping with advanced prostate cancer, financial help and benefits, and sources of further information and support.
Macmillan Cancer Support
This booklet has information on secondary cancer in the bone, what it is, what causes it, the symptoms, how it is diagnosed, and the treatment options. It also covers issues such as emotions, talking to children, and how family and friends can help.
Macmillan Cancer Support
This booklet is about cancer of the ovary, fallopian tube and peritoneum. It is for anyone who has been diagnosed with one of these types of cancer. There is also information for carers, family members and friends. The booklet explains the signs and symptoms of these cancers, and how they are diagnosed and treated. It also has information about emotional, practical and financial issues. <!-- ?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" ? -->
Macmillan Cancer Support
This booklet has information for people who are still having side-effects six months or more after treatment for bowel cancer. It describes the possible side-effects, how they can be managed and who can help. The side-effects discussed include changes to bowel function, changes to bladder function, tiredness, concentration and memory problems, peripheral neuropathy, sexual difficulties, and feelings and relationships.
Cohen L, Jefferies A
“You have cancer.” These are perhaps the most feared three words that will ever come out of a doctor’s mouth, and more and more people are hearing them. Yet most patients (and some doctors) do not realize that lifestyle changes can dramatically reduce risk, assist treatment and improve chances of surviving and even thriving after a diagnosis. Over the course of a major study Servan-Schreiber designed with Dr Lorenzo Cohen at the MD Anderson Cancer Center, six key areas have emerged: love and social support, stress management, rest, movement, nutrition and avoiding environmental toxins. Each plays a role--but it's the synergies created by this potent "Mix of Six" that can bring about real shifts in health and well-being, significantly improving quality of life and positively supporting conventional cancer treatments. Dr. David Servan-Schreiber's Anticancer introduced a revolutionary way to understand and confront cancer, changing the lives of millions around the world. He laid out the principles of integrative care that had allowed him to live many years beyond expectations for his own cancer, but readers have long requested a specific plan to implement his approach. Anti cancer Living is that book. (Publisher)
Macmillan Cancer Support
This easy to use booklet contains up-to-date information about benefits and other sources of financial help for people affected by cancer.
ENABLE Scotland, Macmillan Cancer Support, CHANGE
This booklet is about getting good health care if you have cancer and a learning disability.
Macmillan Cancer Support
This booklet explains what clinical trials are, and why and how they are carried out. It describes the different types of trials and suggests questions that people might ask before deciding whether to take part in a clinical trial. Includes details of useful organisations and other resources.
Macmillan Cancer Support, ENABLE Scotland, CHANGE
It is helpful to tell your doctors and nurses what is important to you. This will help them give you the best care. You can use this book to write about what is important to you.
Breast Cancer Care
This booklet is for women considering breast reconstruction after breast surgery to treat breast cancer.
Breast Cancer Care
This booklet describes ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), the symptoms, how a diagnosis is made, the different types of DCIS, and the treatment options. It also has a short section on coping with breast cancer.
Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust
An easy read guide for women thinking about having a smear test.
Children's Cancer and Leukaemia Group
A colourful booklet for young children who are preparing to donate bone marrow. It explains what bone marrow is and describes what happens to Jess in hospital before, during and after the operation and when she goes home.
Breast Cancer Care
This leaflet explains what tamoxifen is, when it may be prescribed, how it works, the benefits, and possible side-effects.
Breast Cancer Care
This booklet explains briefly what capecitabine (Xeloda®) is, when it may be prescribed, how it works, and possible side-effects.
Breast Cancer Care
This booklet provides information for anyone going into hospital for breast cancer surgery. It describes what may happen before admission, what to take into hospital, what happens before and after surgery, what to expect after surgery (normal changes, possible problems) and leaving hospital and recovering from surgery. Includes details of further support and useful organisations.
Breast Cancer Care
This booklet is about relaxation and wellbeing during and after breast cancer treatment. It looks at complementary therapies such as acupuncture, Reiki and massage. It also describes some popular relaxation techniques, including meditation and mindfulness, and has information on yoga, Thai Chi and Chi Gung. It discusses why people might use these complementary therapies and relaxation techniques after a diagnosis of breast cancer, and what they may need to think about before trying them. It also explains what herbal medicines and homeopathy are.
Brainstrust
One in a series of eight leaflets that form the Brain Tumour Patient Guide.
Safe payments by:
If you have any questions about Macmillan, or would like to talk to someone about cancer, we have a team of experts who can help. Contact us
© Macmillan Cancer Support 2017 © Macmillan Cancer Support, registered charity in England and Wales (261017), Scotland (SC039907) and the Isle of Man (604). Also operating in Northern Ireland. A company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales company number 2400969. Isle of Man company number 4694F. Registered office: 89 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7UQ. VAT no: 668265007