Vital service reaches those most in need

A SERVICE providing emotional, practical and financial support for people living with cancer in the region is reaching those who need it most – according to new data. Around 100 people in Dumfries and Galloway are diagnosed with cancer every month. Back in April 2023, the local NHS partnered with cancer charity Macmillan to launch the Improving the Cancer Journey (ICJ) service. And now, Macmillan is pointing to data which shows that the service is successfully reaching more people in high-need communities. This data shows that 38 per cent of service users come from the most deprived third of the region's population – a group which also has higher than average rates of all types of cancer. Anne Bain, divisional manager, diagnostics, pharmacy and cancer, said: “Our current figures show that about 7400 people in Dumfries and Galloway are living with cancer, and this figure is set to increase. “And when cancer touches our lives, it often has more of an impact than just on our health. It can obviously affect us and our loved ones emotionally, but also financially and practically too – whether that’s coping with treatment, worrying about work, or dealing with the cost of everyday living. “That’s why services like Improving the Cancer Journey are so important, because they make sure people get the right support at the right time.” The ICJ service provides one-to-one, tailored support for people affected by cancer. It supports people affected by cancer through a holistic needs assessment and care planning process which looks at the whole person. The service is free and is available to anyone living in Dumfries and Galloway who is newly diagnosed with or affected by cancer. John from Dumfries, who has been supported by the ICJ team, highly recommends the service. He added: “You feel your world’s away, but it opens up new avenues, and I would definitely recommend anyone diagnosed to go to Macmillan Improving the Cancer Journey, all the way through, definitely.” Gareth Marr, chief officer of Dumfries and Galloway Health and Social Care Partnership, said: “A cancer diagnosis can be a concerning and unsettling event in someone’s life, and many people will be left with questions or a need for very practical advice and support. “The ICJ service being implemented in partnership with Macmillan aims to help meet this need by connecting people to the wide range of help which is available locally." Anyone can make a referral to ICJ on behalf of someone with cancer, and people can also refer themselves. Simply call 01387 241672 or email [email protected]