search this site

Frequently Asked Questions

Q - What is Cancerkin?

A - Cancerkin, the first hospital-based, dedicated breast cancer charity in the UK , is concerned with information, treatment, supportive care and rehabilitation, education and research. Since 1987, we have pioneered services to meet the emotional, practical and rehabilitation needs of patients and their families.

We aim to help people cope better with breast cancer and its treatment by providing contact, information, rehabilitation, self-help and supports services that are complementary to medical and nursing care.

Q - Do you charge for your services?

A - No. Thanks to voluntary funding, Cancerkin’s patient programmes and services are available free of charge to anyone affected by breast cancer, regardless of where they are treated.

Q - Where is Cancerkin based?

A - The Cancerkin Centre is in Hampstead, London . The Centre is purpose-built, on site at the Royal Free Hospital . We are easily accessed from the nearest tube station which is Belsize Park (Northern Line) and we are also served by several bus routes. The Centre is open from 9 to 5 Monday to Friday and there is an answer phone out of hours.

Q - What kind of patient services are offered?

A - These range from one-to one support, group support (with a special group for younger patients diagnosed between age 20 to 40), complementary therapies including massage, reiki and reflexology, yoga and the Look Good…Feel Better programme, a lymphoedema clinic and a drop-in library. Talks on breast cancer and related topics of interest take place from time to time.

Q - When can people come to Cancerkin?

A - From time of diagnosis onward. Some people find early contact with Cancerkin to be of particular value, at a time while they are coming to terms with their diagnosis and want to find out what they can do to help themselves. We are able provide information and clarification and to advise on practical ways to help people deal with their concerns, anxieties and fears.

Q - Is it safe to have complementary therapies while having radiotherapy or chemotherapy?

A - Yes, in fact many people find complementary therapies particularly relaxing and beneficial, alongside their medical treatments. We offer the therapy of choice in 4 consecutive weekly sessions so that people can gain maximum benefit.

Q - Do Cancerkin therapists and volunteers give medical advice?

A - Emphatically not. It would be completely inappropriate for complementary therapists or volunteers to give medical advice or make recommendations about treatment. Medical treatment is the responsibility of trained health professionals. Cancerkin non-medical personnel are aware of the complexity of breast cancer and its treatments and observe the boundaries strictly.

Q - Do you have expert medical support?

A - Cancerkin has a Medical Director and a Medical Advisory Panel who are readily available for advice and also to contribute to Cancerkin’s education and training programmes.

Q - Do you recommend a special diet to people with breast cancer?

A - Cancerkin does not promote a special dietary regime but supports medical recommendations to follow a varied diet for general wellbeing, along the following lines: low in animal fats, choosing pulses, fish or poultry in preference to red meats, grainy breads and plenty of colourful salads, fruits and vegetables.

Q -Do you offer training for health professionals?

A -Yes, we hold courses from time to time for the treatment of Lymphoedema in Breast Cancer Patients which are open to Physiotherapists, Breast Care Nurses, Occupational Therapists and qualified specialist Lymphoedema Therapists. Participants attend from all over the UK and abroad to learn about ‘gold standard’ treatment using Combined Decongestive Therapy.