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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.
Children's Cancer and Leukaemia Group
This illustrated booklet tells the story of siblings Tom and Jess, whose little brother Ben has cancer. It describes how they cope with the illness and the changes it brings. It is aimed at children under nine.
Pancreatic Cancer UK
This booklet explains how pancreatic cancer can cause problems with diet, eating and nutrition. It has information on how to manage these problems, including how to take pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy.
Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust
A guide for women who have recently been diagnosed with cervical cancer, and those who care about them.
Breast Cancer Now
This factsheet describes inflammatory breast cancer, the signs and symptoms, how a diagnosis is made, treatment options and coping with the condition.
Macmillan Cancer Support
A list of cancer resources that have been translated into other languages.
PCaSO Prostate Cancer Support Network
This booklet covers diagnosis (including the DRE and the PSA test), the Gleason score and the staging of prostate cancer, treatment options (active surveillance, watchful waiting, radical prostatectomy, external beam radiotherapy, brachytherapy, cryotherapy, high intensity focused ultrasound, hormone treatment, chemotherapy and photodynamic therapy), clinical trials, side effects (sexual problems, continence, bone health), and diet and lifestyle.
Breast Cancer Now
A booklet for people having treatment for, or recovering from, breast cancer. It explains what is meant by a healthy diet and what to do if the effects of treatment cause problems such as changes in appetite or taste, nausea, sore mouth, constipation or diarrhoea. It also covers weight gain, weight loss, bone health, dietary supplements, phyto-oestrogens, alcohol, and complementary and alternative diets such as the Bristol diet, dairy-free diets and macrobiotics.
Breast Cancer Care
A booklet for people who have been diagnosed with secondary cancer in the brain that has spread from the breast. It describes what secondary breast cancer in the brain is, what the symptoms are, and the investigations. Briefly outlines the treatment options. Lists useful organisations.
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)
Information about palbociclib (Ibrance), with fulvestrant, which is available through the Cancer Drugs Fund, and which may be used to treat hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative, advanced breast cancer.
Children's Cancer and Leukaemia Group|Neuroblastoma UK
This booklet is for parents and carers of a child who has been diagnosed with neuroblastoma. We hope it answers some of your questions and helps you to cope with some of the feelings you may have. There is information about neuroblastoma, the treatments that are used and their possible side effects. It also discusses how a cancer diagnosis can affect you, your child and the rest of the family.
Breast Cancer Now
This booklet explores the feelings and experiences of younger women diagnosed with breast cancer, covering topics such as treatment, physical effects, relationships, finding support, and practical issues. Individual women share their thoughts and experiences.
Macmillan Cancer Support
This list of books, booklets, leaflets, and factsheets for children and young people covers cancer in general, specific cancers, treatments, cancer in others, end of life, and bereavement. It also includes works of fiction that feature cancer. Many of the resources have been reviewed by people affected by cancer and we have linked to the reviews where available.
Breast Cancer Now
This booklet is for anyone diagnosed with secondary lung cancer that has spread from the breast. It describes what secondary breast cancer in the lung is, the symptoms and how they can be managed, the investigations that may be needed, and the treatment options.
Blood Cancer UK
Guidance for employers: Key facts about blood cancer; Coronavirus and blood cancer; Your employee’s rights; Supporting your employee during coronavirus; Support for you.
Cancer Research UK
This leaflet highlights the early signs and symptoms of cancer. It explains what to look out for and why it is important to get any symptoms checked out.
Cancer Research UK
This leaflet describes the symptoms to look out for and the factors that affect the risk of lung cancer.
Macmillan Cancer Support
This z-card gives the signs and symptoms of the main cancers for men and women and advice on cancer prevention for anyone worried about their cancer risk.
Cancer Research UK
This leaflet for women highlights the early signs and symptoms of cancer. It explains what to look out for and why it is important to get any symptoms checked out.
Cancer Research UK
This leaflet for men highlights the early signs and symptoms of cancer. It explains what to look out for and why it is important to get any symptoms checked out.
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.
Cancer Research UK
This leaflet describes the prostate, the risk factors for prostate cancer, the symptoms, and what will happen at the doctor's.
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.
Cancer Research UK
This leaflet has information about the risk factors for breast cancer, the screening programme, and how to be breast aware.
Christie Hospital NHS Trust
This booklet explains what radiotherapy is, when it will begin, in-patient and outpatient treatment, how treatment is planned, what happens during treatment, possible side-effects, and what happens when treatment ends. It also has sources of further information and support.
Lymphoedema Support Network
Guidance for people with lymphoedema.
The Oesophageal Patients Association
This leaflet explains what laparoscopic fundoplication anti-reflux surgery is and why it might be needed. It describes what happens before, during and after surgery, possible side-effects, and follow up.
British Association of Dermatologists
This factsheet aims to help you to understand more about checking your lymph nodes yourself. It explains what lymph nodes are, why you should check them, how often you should perform a check, and how to check them.
Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust
This booklet explains what HPV (human papillomavirus) is and the link with cervical cancer. It describes how HPV is transmitted, how to reduce the risk, and testing for HPV.
Macmillan Cancer Support
This booklet is about getting benefits and other financial help if you are affected by cancer in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland. It is for anyone living with cancer and their family, friends and carers. It explains the types of financial help you could get and how to claim this support. It also tells you who to contact for further help, including Macmillan’s welfare rights advisers.
Macmillan Cancer Support
This leaflet is about what to expect and where to get further support after cancer treatment ends. It gives suggestions to help you get the best care and support available and make healthy lifestyle choices.
Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust
Credit-card leaflet with facts about HPV, high risk HPV and cervical cancer, contracting high risk HPV and how to reduce your risk. It also describes the services that Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust offers to anyone concerned about HPV, cervical screening, cervical abnormalities and cervical cancer.
Hospice UK|Dying Matters
Guidance on how to be a good listener if someone wants to talk about death.
Independently published
Cancer. It's a word associated with an unrivalled sense of dread, but also one that unites us in a variety of painful and unexpected ways. I, like many others, did my best to remain ignorant of the unpleasant truths surrounding this illness until at just the age of 19 I was diagnosed with Ewing's Sarcoma, a rare bone cancer. This compiled journal is a record of my experiences as part of a group that can often be underrepresented in the public's approach to cancer. Follow me from the beginning to the end of this at times dire journey, where I do my best to learn what I can to share with the world about how we can better fight this illness on the psychological plain. If you or a loved one are in a similar situation, or perhaps you're looking to simply satisfy morbid curiosity, then partake in a unique account on one young man's experience with one of humanity's greatest killers. (Author)
Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust
This booklet describes HPV (human papillomavirus) and how the vaccine works. It explains where girls can get the vaccine, how effective it is and the possible side effects.
Breast Cancer Now
This leaflet explains briefly what goserelin (Zoladex®) is, when it may be prescribed, how it works, and the possible side-effects.
Macmillan Cancer Support
Many people have eating problems during and after cancer treatment. This can be related to the cancer or to the side effects of cancer treatments. This booklet talks about some common eating problems and why they might happen. It also suggests some practical ways to manage them. There is also information for carers, family members and friends.
Macmillan Cancer Support
Many people want to make positive changes to their lives when they have been diagnosed with cancer. Taking steps to live a healthier lifestyle is often a major part of these changes. This booklet is for people living with cancer or after cancer treatment who want to know more about a healthy diet. It explains why diet is important and has tips on how to eat well and keep to a healthy weight. It also answers some common questions about diet and cancer.
Children's Cancer and Leukaemia Group
Sources of support for families who have lost a child from cancer. Includes details of organisations, bereavement centres, books for parents, and books for children.
Macmillan Cancer Support
This booklet is about managing weight gain after cancer treatment. It gives suggestions and tips to help you keep to a healthy body weight. We explain how changing the types of food you eat and being physically active can help you lose weight and feel healthier.
Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust
This booklet explains what cervical screening is, who is eligible, the test itself, and what happens if the result is abnormal.
Breast Cancer Now
This factsheet explains briefly what Taxotere® is, when it may be prescribed, how it works, the benefits, and possible side-effects.
Colostomy UK
This booklet is for anyone responsible for caring for someone with a stoma. It briefly describes what a stoma is and why people have stoma surgery, then covers the practical aspects of caring for someone with a stoma. This includes everything from ordering medical supplies and disposing of waste, to diet, changing a stoma bag and recognising some of the common problems, such as sore skin. It also considers the concerns that people with stomas have and how these can impact on their physical and mental wellbeing.
Lymphoma Action
An overview of how cancer develops and what lymphoma is.
Macmillan Cancer Support|Diabetes UK
This booklet is for anyone who has cancer and also has diabetes. You may also want to read it if you have been told your cancer treatment may increase your risk of developing diabetes. It explains how some tests and cancer treatments can affect your diabetes and make it difficult to control your blood sugar. It also has some tips to help you cope with the side effects of cancer treatment if you have diabetes.
Macmillan Cancer Support
This booklet is about anal cancer. The anus is part of the large bowel, which includes the colon and rectum. We have separate booklets about colon cancer and rectal cancer. The booklet explains what anal cancer is, and how it is diagnosed and treated. It also talks about your feelings when you are diagnosed with cancer and has practical advice on dealing with work and finances.
Macmillan Cancer Support
This booklet is about coping after cancer treatment finishes, including managing side effects, follow-up care, and making healthy lifestyle changes. It is for people who are preparing for life after cancer treatment.
Age UK
Most NHS services are free but there are charges for prescriptions, dental treatment, sight tests, glasses and contact lenses and wigs and fabric supports. This factsheet explains how the NHS Low Income Scheme helps people on a low income with charges and the cost of travelling to receive NHS treatment. The factsheet explains what you are entitled to if you: are aged 60 and over; receive Pension Credit Guarantee Credit.
Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust
Credit-card leaflet with facts about cervical screening. It also describes briefly what happens during cervical screening and who is invited for screening, and has tips for coping if you are nervous or worried.
Age UK
This factsheet highlights things to consider if you want to plan ahead and make financial and other arrangements for your funeral. It looks at options when deciding what type of funeral you want, ways to pay for a funeral, and information about organ donation. It may be helpful for people arranging a funeral.