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What you can do to help

While you are waiting for your treatment, there are things that you can do to help.

• If you are a smoker, then try to stop smoking. Your hospital team can refer you to a smoking cessation advisor. They will help and support you to quit smoking and advise you about nicotine replacement, which is available on prescription.
• Speak to your GP or Specialist Nurses about a prescription exemption certificate. Having a cancer diagnosis entitles you to free prescriptions.
• Reduce alcohol intake to a maximum of 3 units per day (e.g. one 250ml glass of wine or one and a half pints of normal strength beer/lager). If you need support to reduce your alcohol intake, please speak to your Specialist Nurse.
• Eat a well-balanced, high calorie diet. If you need help with this please follow the advice given by your dietitian.
• Seek support from your family and friends – you will need their help to get you through. Talk about your diagnosis and what treatment involves.
• You may want to contact Heads2gether (H2G): The national head and neck cancer support group. H2G members have already made the journey from diagnosis to recovery.

Website: www.heads2gether.net

Telephone: 0800 023 4550

• If you have concerns about the financial impact of cancer, call the Macmillan Oxford Citizens Advice Bureau benefits service in the Radiotherapy department.

Telephone: 01865 227 083

• Feel free to bring a relative or friend with you to the clinic visits; they may be able to support you and help remember what has been discussed.