Seeking Support

After cancer treatment has finished you are unlikely to be seeing medical professionals as frequently. This can mean that it might be difficult to know who to turn to for help and support if you are struggling to manage your psychological wellbeing.

If you have concerns about your psychological wellbeing, use to the
Wellbeing Self-Evaluation Tool to help identify whether further support may be helpful.

Some people can feel isolated or abandoned when the cancer treatment finishes. It might be helpful to talk to your Clinical Nurse Specialist, or other members of your cancer team, when you are approaching the end of your treatment to see what specific support there is for your type of cancer in your area. Some people find it helpful to attend support groups with others who have had similar experiences to themselves. The healthcare professionals working with you may know if there are any groups in your local area.

Most people are followed up at the hospital with their cancer doctor, surgeon or nurse. Other people may just see their GP for follow-up appointments. Speak to professionals involved in your care to clarify the follow-up procedures for your type of cancer. It might be helpful to write down any questions you have before these appointments, so that you get the most out of them, and get the answer that you would find helpful.

Maggie’s Centres provide support to individuals and their friends and family following cancer, and they have centres in Cardiff and Swansea.

In Swansea and Neath Port Talbot, CISS also provide support with psychological wellbeing to individuals and their friends and family following cancer.