Resources and support for mouth care
There are lots of organisations, support groups and helpful books to help you understand mouth problems and get the treatment and support you need.
Cancer Research UK information and support
Cancer Research UK is the largest cancer research organisation in the world outside the USA. We fund research on all aspects of cancer from its causes to prevention and treatment.
We are committed to producing high quality information for people affected by cancer. As well as looking at the information on this website you can call our nurse freephone helpline on 0808 800 4040. They are available from Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. Or you can send them a question online.
Cancer Chat is our online forum where you can share experiences.
Information about mouth problems
Marie Curie provide frontline nursing and hospice care. They also have a free support line and information about all aspects of dying, death and bereavement.
They have online information about mouth problems and helping someone with mouth care:
Myeloma UK is dedicated to funding research, providing information and supporting those with myeloma. They have an information sheet about mouth care:
Organisations for other specific symptoms
A charity that is being run entirely by volunteers. They provide support, advice, and help to people affected by chronic pain and those close to them.
Telephone helpline (Painline): 0345 603 1593 (Monday to Friday from 10am to 4pm)
Email: aopisat@btinternet.com
Write to: Action on Pain, 2 Mill Close, Terrington St Clement, Norfolk, PE34 4JG
A support group for anyone who suffers from chronic pain. They deliver self management training to help those with chronic pain.
Freephone: 0800 783 6059 (Monday to Friday, 8.30 am to 4.30 pm)
Email: info@painassociation.com
Pain Concern offers information and support to people with pain and those who care for them. They run a helpline staffed by volunteers and have an online forum called HealthUnlocked for members to share experiences. You can listen to podcasts that feature interviews with experts and people managing their pain. You can also subscribe to their newsletter, Pain Matters.
Helpline: 0300 123 0789
Email: help@painconcern.org.uk
This organisation provides information and support for people who need artificial feeding. They also have regional support groups for PINNT members.
PO Box 3126
Christchurch
Dorset
BH23 2XS
Telephone: 020 3004 6193
Email: comms@pinnt.com
General support and information organisations
Macmillan Cancer Support is a charity that gives practical, medical and financial support to people with cancer in the UK. Its helpline gives guidance on cancer and advice on benefits. It also publishes booklets about cancer and treatments. Information is available in other languages.
Freephone: 0808 808 00 00 (7 days a week, 8am to 8pm)
Contact email form
For general health advice and information.
NHS 111 gives information if you need fast medical help but it's not a 999 emergency.
NHS 24 is a confidential telephone health advice and information service for people in Scotland. It provides urgent advice out of hours.
Phone: 111
Books about cancer
A Bloch and others
American Cancer Society, 2010
ISBN 978-0944235782
An American book but most of the information is relevant to the UK. It covers issues such as preventing weight loss and coping with dehydration, fatigue, and infection. It also discusses eating problems and digestion issues, such as swallowing problems, feeling sick and dealing with mouth sores. Focuses on survivorship and how to eat well after treatment.
A Ko, E Rosenbaum and M Dollinger
Andrews McMeel Publishing, 2009
ISBN 9780740786310
The author and contributors of this book are all American cancer specialists. The book covers how cancer is diagnosed, treated and managed day to day.
J F Kelvin and L B Tyson
Jones and Bartlett Publishing, 2010
ISBN 978-0763777609
An American book which gives both doctor’s and patient’s views on coping with the symptoms of cancer and the side effects of treatment. It has information about treatment for pain, nausea, tiredness, and other symptoms.
SL Rose and RT Hara
Jones and Bartlett Publishers, 2009
ISBN 0763762571
An American book which gives information about caring for someone with cancer, including how to support them when they have symptoms or side effects.
Jane Freeman
Sheldon Press, 2012
ISBN 978-1847091413
Written by a cancer dietitian, this is a practical handbook for people with cancer. Filled with helpful tips and recipes.
Dr P Mortimer and G Levine
Elliott & Thompson, 2017
ISBN 1783962852
Explains the causes and symptoms of lymphoedema. Describes treatments, including massage, exercise, and compression garments. It also has information about coping day-to-day with lymphoedema.
Vidyamala Burch
Sounds True, 2010
ISBN 9781591797470
Vidyamala has suffered chronic back pain for more than 30 years. She is the co-founder of Breathworks, an organisation which helps people experiencing chronic pain, illness and stress to manage their condition through meditation, body awareness and creative approaches to living.
Clare Shaw
Kyle Books, 2023
ISBN 978-1804190654
This cookbook explores the foods that will support and nourish you during and after cancer treatment. It offers more than 150 recipes.
M Williams and others
Guilford Press, 2007
ISBN 1593851286
An American book, but two of the authors are British researchers who are helping to promote mindfulness based cognitive therapy courses for people experiencing stress and depression in the UK. A CD of guided meditations is included with the book.
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