Beating blood cancer: It takes support
More than 2,500 people reached out to us for support in the last year. Kate in our Support Services team tells us how we're there for everyone who needs our help.
"I love my girl so much. All of my being is invested in her continuing a ‘normal’ and happy life. The waiting is stressful. We’re trying to do normal things... but everything feels uncertain.”
- Sarah
When Danae was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia at 20, she was just halfway through university. For her mum Sarah, it felt like life was flipped upside down. Sarah’s words feel so familiar because day in, day out, we hear how challenging a blood cancer diagnosis can be for people and their loved ones.
We're here when your mind goes blank after hearing the words ‘blood cancer’, when you've been asked about a clinical trial and don’t know what to do, when you’re looking for the right words to tell your friends and family what’s happening.
Over 2,500 people contacted our support team in 2024. Every one of them had their own unique circumstances. Our Blood Cancer Support Nurses know what it takes to listen, when to inform, and when to advocate.
500+ patients supported so far
58% of people with blood cancer aren’t aware of any support available to them upon diagnosis. Our Blood Cancer UK Referral Service was created to ensure people get that support. Over 500 patients have been referred so far, and we aim to partner with over 30 NHS Trusts by the end of the year.
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The right support at the right time
Our support is available to everyone in a way that's right for them. Too tired to talk? Scroll through our 'newly diagnosed’ webpages. Want to make notes along the way? Order one of our condition booklets. Reading fatigue? We've got videos to watch instead.
All our work is developed in partnership with leading blood cancer clinicians, but crucially, it’s co-created by people who have lived through a blood cancer experience and know what helps. And we provide resources in the most common languages in the UK, or access to a translator in over 120 languages.
We know we’re making a difference, because after using our support services 93% of people feel more confident when talking to their treatment team.
And our community forum has over 5,000 members – a network of people who know what blood cancer takes. Whether you feel more comfortable reading other people’s stories, asking a question or sharing experiences, there’s a community waiting to give support when it’s needed – 91% say using the forum has made them feel less alone.
Help us reach everyone who needs support
There are over 40,000 people diagnosed with blood cancer each year, but we know we still only reach a small fraction of those who need our support. This Blood Cancer Awareness Month you can help us reach even more people diagnosed by raising awareness of the support we offer.
Sarah with her daughter Danae
Everything we do is for people like Danae and Sarah. We’re proud to say that with our support, Danae could make treatment decisions alongside juggling her own work pressures, and Sarah still made space for laughter and love – even on the hardest days.
Today, Danae is in remission and back at university. Thanks to the dedicated support team and our Blood Cancer UK Online Community Forum, they never felt alone.
Kate Keightley,
Deputy Director of Support and Clinical Services
Worried about anything or have questions?
If you need someone to talk to, please don't hesitate to contact our Support Service by phone or email.