About cancer
User involvement in cancer services
There are many ways that people with experience of using cancer services - whether as a someone with cancer or as a carer or relative - can get involved in developing NHS cancer services for others.
For example:
- You can join a tumour specific user group e.g. a group for breast cancer or lung cancer.
- You can join a group looking at all or part of the cancer service e.g. reviewing patient information leaflets or content of a website or join a group developing research into cancer.
No previous experience of group or committee membership is needed - your experience of using cancer services and ability to provide honest constructive comments is what all these groups need. Training is offered where appropriate. All groups are free to join and most refund travel costs.
To find out more about groups running in your area contact your local hospital or strategic clinical network. You can also contact cancer charities to find out more about campaigns that you can become involved in.
INVOLVE
National organisation
INVOLVE is a national advisory group, funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR). Its role is to support and promote active public involvement in NHS, public health and social care research.
NHS England
National organisation
The main aim of NHS England is to improve the health outcomes for people in England.
Macmillan Cancer Support
National organisation
Macmillan Cancer Support is a large cancer charity which has merged with Cancerbackup. Both Macmillan and Cancerbackup are dedicated to supporting people affected by cancer. Macmillan develops and provides a wide range of medical, practical, emotional and financial services, including the distribution of information. Cancerbackup is the specialist cancer information charity, and provides over 6,000 pages of up-to-date cancer information, practical advice and support for patients with any type of cancer, their families and carers.
NHS Choices
National organisation
NHS Choices website has been developed to help you make choices about your health, from lifestyle decisions about things like smoking, drinking and exercise, through to the practical aspects of finding and using NHS services when you need them.
