How we’re supporting you during the coronavirus crisis
As always, our determination to support everyone affected by bowel cancer remains our top priority.
We’re focusing on direct online services that provide information, advice and peer support to everyone affected by bowel cancer who now need us more than ever, and we’re playing our part in supporting the NHS frontline too.
We fully support the NHS’ response to coronavirus but we’re also concerned about the immediate, and longer-term impact the pandemic will have on people affected by bowel cancer.
What you’ve told us
We’re hearing directly from you on our forum and social media of the challenges you’re facing and many of you took part in our survey asking how we can best support you at this difficult time.
You told us you’re facing delays to tests, treatment and surgery and that you’re concerned about maintaining your health and wellbeing at this time. You also told us you’d like to see us provide the latest advice on coronavirus for people with bowel cancer and their families as well as health and wellbeing tips. And you said you would find connecting with other people on our forum useful as well as connecting with others via Facebook groups and videos such as those with experts or from others affected by bowel cancer.
We’re here for you
We have a dedicated coronavirus section on our website with clear, up-to-date information.
- We’ve worked with the One Cancer Voice group of 19 cancer charities to produce advice on coronavirus for people with cancer. The Q&A includes information for people living with cancer now, people who have had cancer in the past, family, friends and carers of people living with cancer, a look ahead to the future, people worried they have cancer and detailed questions about the categorisation of extremely vulnerable people. This advice is updated as and when more information becomes available.
- There’s a page about emotional wellbeing with tips for supporting someone with bowel cancer during the pandemic.
- There’s also a blog with top tips from people affected by bowel cancer sharing how they’re staying safe and keeping positive at the moment.
- We’ve produced a summary of the Government guidance for those classed as ‘extremely vulnerable’ to help you understand what this may mean for you.
- We’ve produced a summary of the NHS guidance for healthcare professionals to help them manage treatment for cancer patients during the coronavirus pandemic. This advice is being used by NHS organisations in all UK nations.
- We’ve created a glossary of words and phrases that are being used in relation to coronavirus. We wanted to break them down to explain what they mean, who they apply to and what the differences between them are.
- We’ve compiled a list of organisations and local groups offering support in your area.
- We’ve created a list of other websites and organisations you might find useful.
You can also:
- Get the latest news and updates by following us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram
- Use our Ask the Nurse email service
- Join our supportive and caring online forum. A place for anyone affected by bowel cancer to talk about their experiences, share their knowledge and support each other.
- Watch videos on our youtube channel
- Join our stage 4 Facebook group
Behind the scenes we’re also having weekly calls with the Deputy Chief Medical Officer and NHS England’s Cancer team, as well as ongoing relationships with similar partners in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, where we raise your concerns and make sure your voices are heard.
We’ll continue to make sure what we do as always, has your needs front and centre. We’re regularly adding to the coronavirus section on our website and we’ve got plans for more blogs, videos, Q&As and information in response to the survey findings to address your concerns, answer your questions and provide the support you’re looking for at this time.
