A new cancer care map has been launched to help patients diagnosed with the illness get better access to services in their area.
Cancercaremap.org was set up by Dimbleby Cancer Care on the back of research which revealed there was a lack of awareness of the support available to people living with the condition in Scotland.
It found that more than half of Scots cancer patients were unaware of the emotional support services available, despite studies finding up to 49% of people battling the disease struggled with mental health issues.
The majority of people surveyed also had no knowledge of the financial support and benefits available to them as well as financial planning advice.
Chair of Dimbleby Cancer Care, Jonathan Dimbleby, said vital services were available but often hidden from those who needed them.
He said: “Five years ago, a friend asked me to find cancer services for his wife.
“I realised very quickly that this was frighteningly difficult to do, and that there was no comprehensive resource to help me.
“We wanted to create our own site to make sure that nobody facing cancer goes without the care they need; all you would need is an internet connection and a postcode.
“By 2020, one in two people in the UK will have had a cancer diagnosis in their lifetime.
“That’s 27.6 million people who may not know where to find cancer support groups in their local area.”
Patients living in the north-east and north of Scotland visiting the new online site can now find services available closest to their home.
The Dimbleby Cancer Care charity has now urged more organisations to come forward so their services can be published on the innovative map.
The new website was launched yesterday ahead of World Cancer Day on February 4.
It has been developed over the past year on the back of advice given by cancer patients, carers and clinical staff.
Information and contact details are given for CLAN Cancer Support, UCAN and Maggie’s centres on the site.
Dr Colette Backwell, chief executive of CLAN Cancer Support, which supports people in the north-east, Shetland and Orkney, said: “The wellbeing and practical support offered by CLAN makes a significant difference to people’s lives, particularly those living in remote and rural communities, and we welcome the map which can signpost local people to our various centres.”
And Laura Lee, chief executive at Maggie’s, added: “We help people take back control when cancer turns life upside down, with professional support for anything from treatment, side effects to money worries.
“The cancer care map will help even more people with cancer and their families to be aware of the support that we offer.”
To find out more about the medical, health, emotional and practical services that could be available to help you or someone you know, visit cancercaremap.org.
