Healthwatch Blackpool is working with the NHS to help people in Blackpool learn more about cancer signs, symptoms and screening.
Blackpool has higher cancer rates than other parts of the country. Finding cancer early can make treatment more successful. We want to make sure people:
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Know what signs and symptoms to look out for
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Understand how screening works
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Feel confident getting help and support
We’re speaking to local people to learn more and share helpful information as part of this project.
Get involved and click below to have your say!
Worried about cancer symptoms or need advice?
If you’re concerned about possible signs or symptoms of cancer, it’s important to get checked as soon as possible. Here’s what you can do:
Speak to your GP as soon as you can.
Call NHS 111 for advice and guidance.
Visit your local walk-in centre if necessary.
Cancer Research UK Nurse Helpline
If you or someone close to you has been affected by cancer and you have questions, you can speak to a trained nurse:
📞 Call 0808 800 4040 – free of charge
🕘 Open Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm
Need support?
People often contact us for help finding the right support.
At Healthwatch Blackpool, we regularly hear from local people who aren’t sure where to turn for support, especially when it comes to health concerns like cancer. That’s why we’re bringing together helpful signposting information in one place.
Whether you’re worried about symptoms, need emotional support, or are looking for local services, we want this page to help you find the right information quickly and easily.
The Macmillan Support Line offers confidential support to people living with cancer and their loved ones.
If you are worried about money or treatment, or you just want to speak about whatever matters to you, we’ll listen and support you.
Call for free on 0808 808 00 00. Available 7 days a week, 8am to 8pm.
Blackpool Macmillan Information and Support Centre offers a safe and welcoming place for anyone affected by cancer. They provide free, confidential drop-in support, information, and guidance for patients, relatives, and carers, with help from trained staff and volunteers.
Open Monday to Friday, 9:30am – 4pm
Address: Macmillan Windmill Unit, Blackpool Victoria Hospital, Whinney Heys Road, Blackpool, FY3 8NR.
Tel: 01253 955710
Email: bfwh.macmillan.info@nhs.net
About Cancer Research UK
Cancer Research UK is the world’s leading cancer charity dedicated to saving lives through research, influence and information. We support research into all aspects of cancer through the work of over 4,000 scientists, doctors and nurses. This pioneering work into the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer has helped save millions of lives.
Cancer Research UK nurse helpline
If you or someone close to you, has been affected by cancer and you’ve got questions you can speak to a trained nurse on 0808 800 4040. This helpline is free and open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
Cancer Chat Forum
Sometimes you need to talk to someone who understands what you are experiencing, wherever you might be. Join the friendly community on Cancer Chat to reply to others, create a post or ask the nurses a question.For further information, visit: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/information-and-support
Mental Health and Cancer
For mental health and cancer support visit: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/coping/mental-health-cancer
Blackpool FC Community Trust (BFCCT), in partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support, is proud to offer Cancer Prehabilitation (Prehab) sessions. These sessions are designed to support individuals diagnosed with cancer, helping them to prepare physically, mentally, and emotionally for treatment and beyond.
Delivered in a supportive and community-focused environment, these sessions focus on three core areas:
- Physical Activity and Exercise: Tailored exercises to build strength and endurance.
- Nutrition Guidance: Advice on maintaining a healthy weight and diet specific to your needs.
- Psychological Support: Practical tools to reduce stress and improve mental wellbeing.
Session Details:
Day: Wednesdays
Time: 14:30 to 16:30
Location: Blackpool Stanley Park Leisure Centre
What to Expect: A welcoming atmosphere, fitness classes tailored to your needs, opportunities for a chat over tea and biscuits, and expert advice from Macmillan Information and Support staff.
If you or someone you know could benefit from our Cancer Prehab sessions, contact us today for more information or to register your interest:
Phone: 01253 348691
Email: info@bfcct.co.uk
The Living Well Service reaches into many of our hospice services, helping patients to achieve personal goals after they’ve been diagnosed with a life-limiting illness. Any adult with a life-limiting illness can be referred to the Living Well Service at Trinity.
Patients must be referred by a health care professional; this could be their Consultant, GP, District Nurse or social worker.
To find out more call the Living Well Service team on: 01253 952566
The Linden Centre provides counselling and support to adults, children and young people living in Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre who have, or are caring for, someone with a non-curative or life-limiting illness, which is not responding to medical treatment. Also those who are bereaved due to a non-curative or life-limiting illness.
- Address: Low Moor Road, FY2 0BG
- Telephone: 01253 952582
- Email: trinity.linden.centre@nhs.net
Blackpool Carers Centre hold a range of support groups and drop-ins for all age groups at Beaverbrooks House, including dementia, cancer and mental health.
Visit their ‘what’s on’ page or call 01253 393748 for more details.
The KCA Support Group was formed to help anyone coping with cancer. KCA offer support to everyone in the local area as well as children if they have family members with cancer.
When?
Meeting every Thursday, 10am at 12 noon at the Trinity Baptist Church they offer friendship, advice and signposting to services in the community.
Address: 206 Poulton Road, Fleetwood FY7 7LB
For more information, KCA Cancer Group, have a Facebook group.
Call Lesley on 07918 453167 (not a 24 hour service).
A support group offering real-life cancer support from real people. Everyone is welcome who has been affected by breast cancer.
When?
- Second Wednesday of the month at The Cube, Poulton (1st floor) 6:30pm – 8pm.
- Fourth Thursday of the month at The Poulton Elk (Ground floor side room) 6:30pm – 8pm.
- Second Tuesday of the month at The Queens, Lytham (1st floor) 1:30pm – 3:00pm
Contact: Fyldecoastbreastcancer.sg@gmail.com
Facebook: Fylde Coast Breast Cancer Support Group
Our aim is that men can access a safe and welcoming space with a chance to connect with others who are also on their prostate cancer journey. From walking and cycling activities, to having a chat over a cup of tea. Each group is guided by the members who attend to make sure it’s as personal as can be.
When?
Every second Wednesday of the month from 1 pm to 3 pm
Meeting Location:
Blackpool Victoria Hospital
Macmilllan Suite, Whitney Heys Road, Blackpool.Lancashire FY3 8NR
Group Contact: Brian Japp
Email: brianjapp@yahoo.co.uk
Tel: 01253 697 876
Social prescribing is a service provided on behalf of your GP practice. It helps you connect with your local groups and activities within the community to improve your self-esteem, confidence, wellbeing and can help you make new friends. Social prescribers cover Blackpool Fylde and Wyre.
You can contact your GP practice for a referral.
Healthwatch Blackpool staff are committed to providing education and raising awareness in line with the Talk Cancer approach.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us and a trained member of the team will be in touch.
Trusted Online Resources
It’s important to get information from reliable sources. Websites like the NHS and Cancer Research UK offer trusted, up-to-date advice about cancer symptoms, screening, treatment, and support. These sites are written and reviewed by medical experts, so you can feel confident the information is accurate and safe to follow.
NHS Cancer Information
Covers signs and symptoms, types of cancer, screening, treatment, and support.
👉 www.nhs.uk/conditions/cancer
Cancer Research UK
Detailed information about cancer types, prevention, screening, treatment, and research.
👉 www.cancerresearchuk.org
Macmillan Cancer Support
Offers emotional, practical, and financial support for people living with cancer and their families.
👉 www.macmillan.org.uk
NHS Cancer Screening Programmes
Information about NHS screening for breast, bowel, and cervical cancers.
👉 www.nhs.uk/conditions/nhs-screening
Want to learn more or speak to our team?
Visit our contact us page to find out how to get involved and speak to the Healthwatch Blackpool team.
