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For some people, cancer cannot be cured. This page aims to provide you with information about end of life. It has details of organisations that can be of support, and places where you can get more information.
If you are concerned about your cancer diagnosis and the future, please speak to your doctor or clinical nurse specialist - they are there for your information and support.
When cancer cannot be cured... what happens now?
People respond in different ways when they are told that their cancer cannot be cured. It can also be an emotional time for family and friends, as they come to terms with the news. The end of life is often something we can find difficult to discuss, but for some people it can be helpful for them to prepare and plan for what will happen towards the end of their life. For these people, the information below may be of support:
End of Life: The Facts
This booklet has been produced by Macmillan CancerBackup and Marie Curie Cancer Care. It provides useful information for people in the final stages of life and for their carers. This booklet is available (free to patients) direct from Macmillan Cancer Support or from the Macmillan Cancer Information Centre.
Macmillan Cancer Support - Dying with cancer
The Macmillan Cancer Support website covers what it means to die with cancer, what is likely to happen, and the information and support people most need in this situation. This information is also available in a booklet (free to patients) direct from Macmillan Cancer Support or from the Macmillan Cancer Information Centre.
Planning a Good Death
This booklet was produced by the BBC to go with a documentary about 'planning a good death'. It looks at the issues of care during illness, putting your affairs in order, and planning a funeral. It also has information to help you deal with the emotional aspect of dying and bereavement.
Remember that your hospital doctors, nurses, GP and other health professionals are here to support you, and to give you information. Please talk with them, and feel free to ask them questions.
Palliative Care Clinical Nurse Specialists are available to provide support to people who have cancer that cannot be cured. For more information on what is palliative care, and the support available, click here.
Organisations that may be of support...
Hospice Isle of Man
Hospice is a charity providing specialist palliative care for people diagnosed with cancer and other life-limiting conditions. For more information about the range of support services available from Hospice Isle of Man click here or telephone 01624 647400.
Macmillan Cancer Support - Share
The Macmillan Cancer Support website has a discussion forum, where you can talk to others in a similar position to yourself about a range of topics associated with cancer.
You may also like to contact our Macmillan Cancer Information Centre, or click here to visit our useful contacts list for information about organisations, both on and off the Isle of Man.
For family and friends...
Please use the link below to find out more information on when cancer cannot be cured, end of life, and coping with bereavement:
