A NEW service to ensure cancer patients are offered emotional, practical and financial support has been launched which will have a big impact for sufferers in the Cowdenbeath-Lochgelly area.

Macmillan Cancer Support and the Fife Health and Social Care Partnership are working with a range of partners across the region to make sure cancer patients across the area can access all the help they need – by making just one phone call.

The new Fife Macmillan Improving the Cancer Journey Service will see every newly diagnosed cancer patient in Fife sent a letter offering a meeting with a dedicated one-to-one support worker. The worker will then help the patient access a wide range of support, from benefits advice and emotional support to help at home or with other practical needs. Anyone currently living with cancer can also access the service by simply calling the team to arrange an appointment.

Macmillan Cancer Support has invested £1.1m into the project, which will see the Health and Social Care Partnership and other third sector organisations working together to provide a seamless, accessible and personal support for people affected by cancer.

Macmillan's Head of Services in Scotland, Janice Preston, said: “Cancer has a huge impact on every aspect of people's lives and many patients tell us they don't know where to turn for help. This new service should make sure everyone in Fife with cancer has someone to call on for help, no matter what they need.

“It’s thanks to the continued support from people locally, who fundraise for us and donate so generously, that we are able to fund this vital new service. With their help we are able to make a huge difference to the lives of people affected by cancer in Fife.”

The project is open to everyone aged 16 and over living with cancer regardless of their cancer type or where they live in Fife. To find out more about the Fife Macmillan Improving the Cancer Journey service call 01592 578 076 or Improving.CancerJourney@fife.gov.uk