Resources and support for nasopharyngeal cancer
There are organisations, support groups, books, videos and other resources to help you cope with nasopharyngeal cancer and its treatment.
Cancer Research UK information and support
Cancer Research UK is the largest cancer research organisation in the world outside the USA. We fund research on all aspects of cancer from its causes to prevention and treatment.
We are committed to producing high quality information for people affected by cancer. As well as looking at the information on this website you can call our nurse freephone helpline on 0808 800 4040. They are available from Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. Or you can send them a question online.
Cancer Chat is our online forum where you can share experiences.
Head and neck cancer organisations
Changing Faces provide support and information for people who have any form of facial disfigurement including disfigurement caused by cancer. They also provide a skin camouflage service for people in England and Scotland. Trained volunteers teach people how to apply specialist cover creams.
Phone: 0300 0120 275 (support and advice line)
Head office email: info@changingfaces.org.uk
The contact details for the skin camouflage service are:
Phone: 0300 0120 276
Email: skincam@changingfaces.org.uk
Get Ahead is a national charity supporting people with head and neck diseases and cancers. They have some patient information on their website, and a patient group who are willing to talk to others about their experiences.
Email: info@getahead.org.uk
Phone: 0121 794 9596
This UK charity has been set up by cancer specialists and people affected by head and neck cancer. They aim to raise awareness about head and neck cancer, provide information and advice, and act as a voice for people with head and neck cancer and their families. Their website also has stories from people with head and neck cancer.
This UK organisation for people with facial disfigurement offers:
- telephone support
- a service to link up people in similar situations
- dietary and medical advice
- social activities
- resources and a newsletter
Mouth Cancer Foundation is a charity that supports people affected by head and neck cancer. Its website has information about mouth, throat and other head and neck cancers. The website also has a forum and information on local support groups.
Tel: 01924 950 950 (Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm)
This UK based charity works to improve standards of mouth care. Their website has good information on cancer and caring for your mouth.
The Oral Health Foundation was called the British Dental Health Foundation until 2016.
Saving Faces is funding education and research to improve medical treatment and support for people after facial surgery.
Sometimes it can be helpful to talk to someone who has been in a similar situation. Saving Faces can put you in touch with other people who have had facial surgery.
Phone: 020 3417 7757
Email: info@savingfaces.co.uk
The Swallows is a UK charity set up to help support people affected by head and neck cancer. Their website has information about head and neck cancer, what support is available and patient stories. They hold monthly meetings and have a patient and carer support line. They also have an online forum where you can share experiences.
Support line: 07504 725059
Email: info@theswallows.org.uk
Support if you have eyesight changes or hearing problems
The RNIB is the UK’s leading charity offering information, support and advice to people with sight problems. They have detailed information to help anyone with a sight problem. Services include Braille, Talking Book and computer training, and imaginative and practical solutions to everyday challenges. They also run a national library service providing books and information services for visually impaired people.
RNIB Newsagent
RNIB Newsagent has more than 200 national newspapers and magazines for visually impaired and disabled people. They offer subscribers a choice of formats including CD's, USB sticks and digital downloads through their website.
This charity is working to make life fully inclusive for deaf people and those with hearing loss or tinnitus. They campaign for an inclusive society, provide information and support, and pioneer new treatments for hearing loss and tinnitus.
Other organisations
Macmillan Cancer Support is a charity that gives practical, medical and financial support to people with cancer in the UK. Its helpline gives guidance on cancer and advice on benefits. It also publishes booklets about cancer and treatments. Information is available in other languages.
Freephone: 0808 808 00 00 (7 days a week, 8am to 8pm)
Contact email form
Maggie’s is a national charity with centres across the UK. They offer care and support to people affected by cancer. Each centre is beside an NHS cancer hospital and is run by specialist staff.
You can join a support group, take part in weekly sessions like relaxation and stress management, or learn about nutrition and health. You can also visit just to have a cup of tea and a friendly chat.
Phone: 0300 123 1801
Email: enquiries@maggies.org
A free self-help group. Its 12-step programme involves getting sober with the help of regular face-to-face and online support groups.
Telephone: 0800 917 7650 (24-hour helpline)
Quit smoking is an NHS website dedicated to helping people stop smoking. The website has information on how to quit smoking, as well as information on the NHS Quit smoking app.
They provide a non-judgemental listening service for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair.
Telephone: 116 123 (free 24-hour helpline)
Books
You can find books about cancer, treatments, and living with cancer on our general reading list.
Get help to stop smoking
Stopping smoking can be challenging. But there is support available.
Healthtalk.org
Provides free, reliable information about health issues including mental health, by sharing people's real-life experiences.
Find local cancer information and support near you
There are organisations and support in your local area that you can access. You can ask your specialist nurse or doctor for more information about cancer services near you.
England
NHS Choices has a service that tells you about local information and support in England.
Scotland
NHS Inform gives information about illness, treatments and NHS services for people in Scotland.
Wales
NHS 111 Wales gives health advice and information for people living in Wales.
Northern Ireland
Cancer Focus Northern Ireland have a cancer information helpline and resource centre. They provide public and professional education, rehabilitation programmes and support groups for patients and relatives.
Cancer nurse helpline: 0800 783 3339 Monday - Friday 9am to 1pm
Email: nurseline@cancerfocusni.org
