Macmillan Cancer Support
Macmillan Cancer Support is one of the largest British charities and provides specialist health care, information and financial support to people affected by cancer.
As well as helping with the medical needs of people affected by cancer, Macmillan also looks at the social, emotional and practical impact cancer can have, and campaigns for better cancer care. Macmillan Cancer Support's goal is to reach and improve the lives of everyone living with cancer in the UK.
Contents |
[edit] History
The charity was founded, as the Society for the Prevention and Relief of Cancer, in 1911 by Douglas Macmillan following the death of his father from the disease. In 1924 the name was changed to the National Society for Cancer Relief, which it retained until 1989 when it was changed to Cancer Relief Macmillan Fund, later changed again to Macmillan Cancer Relief. From 5 April 2006 Macmillan Cancer Relief became known as Macmillan Cancer Support as this more accurately reflects its role in supporting people living with cancer. It has adopted the principles of being a "source of support" and a "force for change".
Douglas Macmillan was a vegetarian. In 1909, he wrote an open letter to all Christians entitled Shall We Slay which encouraged orthodox Christians to consider vegetarianism.[1]
As the National Society for Cancer Relief, the organization provided funding to support the work of the Breast Care and Mastectomy Association of Great Britain which would later become Breast Cancer Care.
Macmillan Cancer Support is one of the 50 largest UK charitable organizations ranked by annual expenditure.[citation needed] It is governed by a Board of Trustees and Executive Management Team.[2]
The charity's head office is based in London[3] Macmillan Cancer Support merged with cancer information charity Cancerbackup in 2008.
Macmillan works in partnership with other cancer research organisations and is a partner of the National Cancer Research Institute.
[edit] Cancer Support
Macmillan Cancer Support supports local information and support centres, cancer support groups, benefits advisers and cancer support specialists, and can help with practical, medical, financial and emotional support.
[edit] Macmillan nurses
Macmillan Cancer Support provides specialist nurses — Macmillan Nurses — who are present in many large UK hospitals. There are over 3000 Macmillan nurses across the UK, working both in hospitals and in the community. Macmillan nurses are registered nurses with at least five years' experience, including two or more years in cancer or palliative care. They also complete specialist courses in managing pain and other symptoms, and in psychological support.
Macmillan nurses are usually employed by the NHS and their posts are funded by Macmillan for a set time, commonly the first three years. After that time, the long-term funding is taken up by the NHS or other partner organisations. The nurses work in NHS hospitals and the community, but are not usually associated with private health care.
Some Macmillan nurses specialise in particular cancer types or treatments. For example, Macmillan chemotherapy nurses give chemothemotherapy treatment to patients, and help them to cope with the side effects that may occur. Macmillan breast cancer nurses support women from the screening and diagnosis stage helping them to make informed decisions. They provide support for the child and parents at home and in hospital, and help to keep children at home with their families as much as possible.
[edit] Events
Macmillan host a series of annual fundraising events, which include running and golf events. The most notable event is World's Biggest Coffee Morning, which has generated £60million since it began in 1991[4].
[edit] References
[edit] External links
- Macmillan Cancer Support website
- Macmillan nurse fact sheet
- Macmillan 4x4 UK Challenge
- Macmillan Cancer Support on Facebook
- Macmillan Cancer Support on Twitter
- Macmillan Cancer Support, Registered Charity no. 261017 at the Charity Commission
- Learn Zone - resources and e-learning programmes for professionals and people affected by cancer.
- Cancer Voices - a network to share cancer experiences and campaign for change.
