Support

Support

All of our staff working in cancer services are here to help you through your treatment for cancer. We know that the diagnosis of cancer can be very difficult and we will do everything we can to support you and give you the advice you need during this time.

Outside of your clinical team there are lots of community and voluntary organisations that offer practical support and advice for people affected by a cancer diagnosis. Find out more below

The Irish Cancer Society is a community of patients, survivors, volunteers, supporters, health and social care professionals and researchers who are transforming the experiences and outcomes of people affected by cancer through our advocacy, support services and research.
Support Line Freephone: 1800 200 700 9am–5pm, Monday to Friday
Email: supportline@irishcancer.ie

Irish Cancer Society Daffodil Centres
In Daffodil Centres, the Irish Cancer Society’s local cancer information and support centres you'll find cancer nurses and trained volunteers on hand to answer your questions. Daffodil Centres are based in hospitals and you can find a confidential listening ear and information on everything from local support groups to help for the travel or financial problems cancer can create. Daffodil centres are located in University Hospital Galway and Letterkenny University Hospital. 

CanTeen is a support group for young people aged 12–25 who have or who have had cancer. Cancer Helpline Freefone 1800 200 700. E-mail: info@canteen.ie

Cancer care west provide professional community-based practical and emotional support services,free of charge, to anyone affected by cancer. For information and support please call 091-540040

Cancer Thriving and Surviving
One of the components of good cancer survivorship care is to provide patients with a programme to help with the transition from active treatment to living well with and beyond cancer.

The Cancer Thriving and Surviving Programme is adapted by Stanford University from their Chronic Disease Self-Management Programme (CDSMP) which is based on a rehabilitation best practice model and has been positively evaluated internationally and in Ireland. This validated programme uses a prescribed structure and manual.

The programme is run over 6 weeks with a 2.5 hour a week commitment. It is the NCCP’s aim that this programme will be offered to all cancer survivors who wish to avail of it nationally. It is currently being delivered in multiple sites by community and hospital based organisations around the country.

Patient Information Leaflet
Dates, locations and times of upcoming Cancer Thriving and Surviving programmes Nationally

Transport 

Travel2Care scheme
The NCCP funds a travel scheme to help some patients pay to travel to cancer tests and treatment. It is administered by the Irish Cancer Society. You must meet certain criteria to be eligible for the scheme. More information is available on the Irish Cancer Society website.

Travel2Care Form A for cancer tests
If you are having cancer tests, you can apply by downloading and completing Travel2Care Application Form A: Travel Expenses for Cancer Tests (pdf). You can ask to have a form sent to you by contacting: Travel2Care, Irish Cancer Society, Tel: (01) 231 6643 or (01) 231 0522; email: travel@irishcancer.ie.

Travel2Care Form B for ongoing treatment
If you are having ongoing treatment (chemotherapy, radiotherapy or palliative care), you must speak to a medical social worker, cancer nurse or other healthcare professional who can complete the Travel2Care Application Form B on their behalf. This is an application for a once-off payment for the expected treatment plan.

Volunteer Driver Service
The Irish Cancer Society runs a Volunteer Driver Service that provides transport for cancer patients to and from their chemotherapy appointments. The service is free to the patient and the hospital. View the list of hospitals participating in the Volunteer Driver Service.

To be referred to the service, talk to your hospital social worker or chemotherapy nurse. They will discuss the service with you and whether it is suitable for your needs. For more information, call the Irish Cancer Society on (01) 231 0522 or (01) 231 0566.