Support FAQs

Take a look at our frequently asked questions below, regarding the support and information provided by Big C. If you have a question that doesn’t appear, please get in touch and we’ll be happy to help you.

Someone I care about has cancer, can I use a Big C Centre?

Yes, Big C can support anyone affected by cancer, as we recognise that cancer has an affect on not just the person with the diagnosis but also on those that care for that person, including family and friends.

Do I have to pay to use the services at the Centre?

No, all Big C services are free, thanks to the generosity of local community fundraisers and donors.

I’ve finished my treatment can I still access support from Big C?

Yes, at Big C we recognise that emotional and physical issues relating to cancer do not stop when your treatment does, and the time this can take differs for each person. For many this can be a vulnerable time and the time when support is needed most, which is why Big C will aim to support you whether newly diagnosed, in treatment or a cancer survivor.

I can’t get to a Centre, so how can I get the support and answers I need?

We have a support line, manned by our experienced Support & Information team, that is open Monday-Friday 9am-5pm (excluding bank holidays). The team can talk to you about anything that is troubling you. At times we may need to call you back or return your call, but we’ll be in touch as soon as possible.

I need out of hours support. Who can I contact?

For medical emergencies, call 999 IMMEDIATELY.

For urgent (non-life threatening) medical problems, call 111.

Emotional and mental health support lines:

Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust: Call 0808 196 3494 – available 24 hours a day

Samaritans: Call 116 123 – available 24 hours a day

Alternative cancer support:

Macmillan: Call 0808 80 80 000 – open 7 days a week, 8am – 8pm

Someone I know has been diagnosed where can I get information?

It is always good to use a reliable source and we understand that many people like to research information so we hope that our Resources page can help you to find the information you need from a trusted source. You can also call our support line (0800 092 7640).

Money is a real issue for my family. Where can we go for some help?

We fund advisors from the Citizens Advice Service, who can help with things such as, welfare rights, benefit form filling and sick pay. Appointments can be in person, online or by phone. Call our support line on 0800 092 7640 for more information.

Does my doctor have to refer me to Big C?

No, you can self-refer, which is as simple as dropping in to one of our centres or calling our Support Line to discuss your needs with our trained staff.

Can Big C help me to support my children?

Yes, our trained Support & Information team can talk to you about how best to support your children and offer some ideas to help ease communication with them depending on their ages. We also have our nurses and counsellors who can offer a more specialist approach such as help with how to break bad news and ways to offer emotional support to them.

If you can’t see the answer to your question above, please contact us on 0800 092 7640.

Online support

Our Online Support Hub offers a full range of support virtually, ensuring you can still access our services from the comfort of your own home.

Ask the Nurse

Did you attend an appointment and have questions you didn’t want to ask, or not mention something that is bothering you?

FAQs

Browse our Frequently Asked Questions about the support we offer. If you can’t see the answer you’re looking for, just get in touch.

We’ve helped people like Louise

Following a routine mammogram screening, Louise was told that a lump was found in her breast, resulting in a breast cancer diagnosis in August 2019. This is her story…

Photo of Louise Prentice sitting in a chair receiving treatment

Browse

We can help you work through the maze of cancer information.

Support

At our centres across the region, we offer support to anyone affected by cancer.

About us

We are a local, people-first charity providing outstanding cancer support.

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