How we work
Together with people affected by cancer we pave the way to better cancer care and support for everyone across the UK.
We care for the whole person, not just the disease. We take into account not just the medical needs of people affected by cancer but the social, emotional and practical impact cancer can have. We are there for people from the moment they suspect they have cancer, and for their families too.
We deliver our own services and work with other partners to develop new ones. Our largest partner is the NHS but there are others in the public, voluntary and private sectors of care too. We lead the way with innovative cancer care services, and work with our partners to replicate these services across the country so that they become mainstream.
How we work with people affected by cancer
People affected by cancer have a unique experience and expertise. They've used cancer services and understand what it means to live with cancer.
We want to tap into this expertise and use it to guide our work and influence our plans. The needs and wants of people affected by cancer are at the heart of everything we do.
We want to make cancer services sensitive to people from different backgrounds. So, we have a network of 'user representatives' from black and minority ethnic communities who work with us and other health care professionals to help make cancer services more culturally sensitive.
Find out more about Cancer Voices in the Get involved section
How we work with the NHS
We’ve worked with the National Health Service (NHS) since the 1970s. They are our main partner because the vast majority of people with cancer receive their treatment and care through the NHS.
We set up the roles of our Macmillan nurses, doctors and other professionals in health or social care organisations, and pay the costs for the first few years (typically between three and five years).
Then the partner organisation (usually the NHS) takes on responsibility for managing that position, including paying their salary, in the long term.