Useful resources > Ipswich Hospital

Ipswich Hospital

Ipswich Hospital (part of the East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust) is based in the outskirts of Ipswich and provides services to the town and surrounding areas. 

Call

Ipswich Hospital main switchboard:
01473 712233

Email

Cancer support at the hospital:
cancer.support@esneft.nhs.uk 

Visit

Heath Road, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP4 5PD

Getting to the hospital

The address is Ipswich Hospital, Heath Road, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP4 5PD

A road sign with the letter H on, directing people to the nearest hospital.

Public transport

There are several bus routes that serve the Ipswich Hospital. Visit their website to find the route nearest to you.

An aerial shot of the Orwell Bridge in Ipswich.

Cancer services

Ipswich Hospital offer a large range of services, support and information.

The team can provide practical, emotional, physical and financial support to anyone who has been affected by cancer. They are able to signpost and refer to other organisations, support groups and services within the local community.

An image of a CT scanner

Support

At our centres across the region, we offer support to anyone affected by cancer.

About us

We are a local, people-first charity providing outstanding cancer support.

Research

We fund vital, world-class research to help prevent, diagnose and treat cancer.

Let’s keep in touch

Subscribe to our mailing list to receive news and updates from Big C.

Useful resources > Cancer and exercise

Cancer and exercise

Keeping active before, during and after cancer treatment can help both your physical and mental health. Taking regular exercise has so many benefits including helping to reduce fatigue, improving mood and positivity, increasing strength, balance and mobility as well as helping to maintain independence.

Not sure where to start? 

Whether you’re an active gym goer or prefer a peaceful stroll in the park, the changes to your body during cancer treatment can be unsettling. That is where Big C comes in; we can support you alongside your clinical team to become or stay active in a safe way.

A lady sitting on the floor in exercise wear, watching an exercise class on the television.

Try our current programmes

Tackle cancer

Join us at the Football Development Centre for a walking football and support group for people affected by cancer.

We meet every Wednesday from 11am – 1pm for an hour of relaxed walking football, followed by a chance to talk with others, meet new people and make friends.

A man in football boots standing in a playing field.

Get Moving

We have a wellbeing support programme to help increase your physical activity with a weekly online exercise class and regular 1:1 support.

A woman stretching, touching her toes whilst listening to a fitness podcast.

“Big C has given me something to do outside the grey world of cancer and allowed me to mix with other people during the pandemic and reconnect with the world outside”

GET MOVING participant

Gentle exercises to try at home

You can do these movements in your own time and at your own pace, and there are tips in the videos about pacing yourself. If you feel you need support to increase your physical activity safely, consult your cancer care team or GP.

A lady doing gentle exercise sitting on a chair with her arms out and her eyes closed.

Gentle pilates wellbeing workout

Two people doing a seated pilates class with their arms out in front of them

Gentle seated wellbeing workout

Online support

Our Online Support Hub offers a full range of support virtually, ensuring you can still access our services from the comfort of your own home.

Ask the Nurse

Did you attend an appointment and have questions you didn’t want to ask, or not mention something that is bothering you?

FAQs

Browse our Frequently Asked Questions about the support we offer. If you can’t see the answer you’re looking for, just get in touch.

Latest fundraising and event news

Big C launches unique family support programme

Big C has launched a groundbreaking new programme of holistic care and support to offer children with a cancer diagnosis and their families.

Read more

Big C Cancer Charity Chief Executive steps down

After nine years of dedicated service to Big C Cancer Charity, Chief Executive Dr Christopher Bushby will be stepping down, in September. Chris has made this difficult decision due to health reasons.

Read more

Ex-NCFC players return to the pitch for Charity Football Match in aid of Big C

Players including Grant Holt, Simeon Jackson, Cedric Anselin, Wes Hoolahan, Simon Lappin and Mike Milligan joined the squad on Saturday 18 May as the Big C XI took on Help Delete Cancer at Lowestoft Town FC.

Read more

Get ready for an exciting summer full of fundraising events

This summer, Big C invites you to get together with your family and friends and take on one of our many fundraising events and help raise vital funds for those affected by cancer!

Read more

Support

At our centres across the region, we offer support to anyone affected by cancer.

About us

We are a local, people-first charity providing outstanding cancer support.

Research

We fund vital, world-class research to help prevent, diagnose and treat cancer.

Let’s keep in touch

Subscribe to our mailing list to receive news and updates from Big C.

Useful resources > Cancer and nutrition

Cancer and nutrition

Eating and drinking a balanced diet and maintaining a healthy weight before, during and after cancer treatment can help your body to cope with the treatment better, fight off infections and reduce the risk of chronic health conditions developing such as heart disease, diabetes, and osteoporosis. 

What is a balanced diet? 

A balanced diet is made up of the five basic food groups – vegetables and fruit, protein, whole grains, milk and dairy, and fats and oils.   

Somebody writing in a book in-front of lots of cooking ingredients.

Join our Nourish & Nurture programme

Nourish & Nurture is Big C’s nutrition and wellness programme for all those diagnosed or living with the effects of cancer and those that care for them. The 5 interactive sessions provide advice on healthy eating, how best to manage treatment side effects with diet, practical skills, and physical activity advice. Supported by Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital Dieticians and Quadram Institute.  

Somebody baking at a Nutrition and fitness event.

“The resources were great, some great recipes and I loved the journal which is now full up! I also enjoyed the exercises with the physiotherapist.”

helen, nourish & nurture participant

Healthy recipes to try at home

Be inspired by some of the healthy recipes the Quadram Institute has created. Whether you’d like to try the lentil, bean and kale salad or the stuffed mushrooms, there’s plenty to whet your appetite.

A picture of some delicious food made by a Big C volunteer.

Lentil, bean & kale salad

A fresh zingy salad, perfect for a light lunch or to share with friends.

A picture of some delicious food made by a Big C volunteer.

Stuffed mushrooms

Try these mushrooms stuffed with spinach, breadcrumbs, garlic & herbs

Online support

Our Online Support Hub offers a full range of support virtually, ensuring you can still access our services from the comfort of your own home.

Ask the Nurse

Did you attend an appointment and have questions you didn’t want to ask, or not mention something that is bothering you?

FAQs

Browse our Frequently Asked Questions about the support we offer. If you can’t see the answer you’re looking for, just get in touch.

Latest fundraising and event news

Big C launches unique family support programme

Big C has launched a groundbreaking new programme of holistic care and support to offer children with a cancer diagnosis and their families.

Read more

Big C Cancer Charity Chief Executive steps down

After nine years of dedicated service to Big C Cancer Charity, Chief Executive Dr Christopher Bushby will be stepping down, in September. Chris has made this difficult decision due to health reasons.

Read more

Ex-NCFC players return to the pitch for Charity Football Match in aid of Big C

Players including Grant Holt, Simeon Jackson, Cedric Anselin, Wes Hoolahan, Simon Lappin and Mike Milligan joined the squad on Saturday 18 May as the Big C XI took on Help Delete Cancer at Lowestoft Town FC.

Read more

Get ready for an exciting summer full of fundraising events

This summer, Big C invites you to get together with your family and friends and take on one of our many fundraising events and help raise vital funds for those affected by cancer!

Read more

Support

At our centres across the region, we offer support to anyone affected by cancer.

About us

We are a local, people-first charity providing outstanding cancer support.

Research

We fund vital, world-class research to help prevent, diagnose and treat cancer.

Let’s keep in touch

Subscribe to our mailing list to receive news and updates from Big C.

Useful resources > Cancer in the workplace

Cancer in the workplace

With more than 8,000 people diagnosed with cancer every year across our region, there are few employers who are not affected by cancer in the workplace in some way.

How can Big C help your organisation?

Organisations have a vital role to play in providing a caring and supportive work environment to improve the wellbeing of those individuals affected. The normality of everyday life is vital and the workplace is a big part of this for many. Big C offers support to local businesses, providing support and education opportunities.

Understanding how cancer may impact on staff and colleagues in your workplace can help you to provide them with the right support at work. For your teams, going through cancer with a colleague is something that will affect their wellbeing and a supportive work environment will make all the difference. We can help your organisation achieve this.

Ensuring your team’s wellbeing

We can support you to ensure the wellbeing of your team in a variety of ways including:

  • Talking to teams and colleagues on cancer specific subjects, e.g. symptom awareness and the different types of cancer
  • Supporting your HR team on topics such as the emotional and physical effects of cancer, employees returning to work and, the effect on the wider team and more
  • Providing support and information in helping people deal with managing end of life care
  • Offering 1:1 support for someone affected by cancer either at a Big C Centre or at work
  • Hosting education days with our Health and Education team, to help your employees learn more about cancer

Contact us to find out how we can help support your workplace.

0800 092 7640

Support

At our centres across the region, we offer support to anyone affected by cancer.

About us

We are a local, people-first charity providing outstanding cancer support.

Research

We fund vital, world-class research to help prevent, diagnose and treat cancer.

Let’s keep in touch

Subscribe to our mailing list to receive news and updates from Big C.

Useful resources > The Royal Marsden Hospital, London

The Royal Marsden Hospital, London

The Royal Marsden is a world leader in cancer care, pioneering treatment and ground-breaking research. With dedicated units for all cancer types, The Royal Marsden provides care during diagnosis, treatment and beyond. Sometimes patients from Norfolk and surrounding counties may be referred to other hospitals outside of the county for specialised treatments, such as The Royal Marsden. 

Call

The Royal Marsden Hospital main switchboard:
020 7352 8171

Call

The Royal Marsden Macmillan Hotline:
020 8915 6899

Visit

The Royal Marsden,
203 Fulham Road,
London  
SW3 6JJ

Getting to the hospital

The address is The Royal Marsden Hospital, 203 Fulham Road, Chelsea, London, SW3 6JJ

A road sign with the letter H on, directing people to the nearest hospital.

Public transport

If you’re travelling to London by train, you can either take a taxi from the station, or use the London Underground. The nearest Tube station to Royal Marsden is South Kensington, about seven minutes walk through Onslow Square to Fulham Road. The Piccadilly, District and Circle lines serve South Kensington station.

Houses of Parliament in London

Cancer services

The Royal Marsden Hospital has dedicated units for all cancer types and provides care during diagnosis, treatment and beyond.

The hospital also has specialist paediatric facilities for children and young people.

A woman being scanned in a medical machine.

Support

At our centres across the region, we offer support to anyone affected by cancer.

About us

We are a local, people-first charity providing outstanding cancer support.

Research

We fund vital, world-class research to help prevent, diagnose and treat cancer.

Let’s keep in touch

Subscribe to our mailing list to receive news and updates from Big C.

Useful resources > Addenbrooke’s Hospital Cambridge

Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge

Addenbrooke’s Hospital is part of the Cambridge University Hospitals family, which also includes The Rosie. It is an internationally renowned large teaching hospital with strong affiliations to the University of Cambridge.

Call

Addenbrooke’s Hospital main switchboard:

01223 245151

Call

Addenbrooke’s Hospital Cancer services:

01223 21655

Visit

Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Hills Road, Cambridge

CB2 0QQ

Getting to the hospital

Addenbrooke’s Hospital is based on the southern edge of Cambridge, close to Trumpington and in between the M11 and A11. From Norfolk, take the A11 towards Cambridge and take the Babraham Road (A1307) junction.

The address is Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ

A blurred image looking down the hallway of a hospital floor.

Public transport

The hospital site is accessible by public transport from Cambridge City Centre and from Cambridge Rail Station. Bus stops for Addenbrookes can be found just outside the rail stations. You can take either Busway A or R, a Green Park & Ride bus, the Universal Service or a regular Citi bus to Addenbrooke’s.

A road sign with the letter H on, directing people to the nearest hospital.

Cancer services

Addenbrooke’s see more than 5,000 new patients each year as a regional centre for rarer types of cancer and also as the local hospital for patients living in the Cambridge area.

Cancer services include: Oncology, Haematology, Radiotherapy, Palliative Care and cancer support services.

An image of a patient, laying in hospital having their hand held by a visitor.

Support

At our centres across the region, we offer support to anyone affected by cancer.

About us

We are a local, people-first charity providing outstanding cancer support.

Research

We fund vital, world-class research to help prevent, diagnose and treat cancer.

Let’s keep in touch

Subscribe to our mailing list to receive news and updates from Big C.

Useful resources > Cromer Hospital

Cromer and District Hospital

Cromer and District Hospital (part of the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust) is based in Cromer on the north coast and provides services to the population of North Norfolk. 

Call

Cromer Hospital main switchboard (via NNUH):
01603 286286

Call

North Norfolk Macmillan Centre:
01603 641559

Visit

Cromer Hospital
Mill Road
Cromer
Norfolk
NR27 0BQ

Getting to the hospital

Cromer Hospital is on Mill Road, opposite the Cromer Football Club. Mill Road can be found off the main A149.

The address is Cromer Hospital, Mill Road, Cromer, NR27 0BQ

A road sign with the letter H on, directing people to the nearest hospital.

Public transport

The hospital is a short walk from the town centre and Cromer is served by a number of bus routes along the North Norfolk coastal route. Sanders also run a direct route from Norwich to Cromer (Number 44, 44a, x44, x40). Visit their website to find the route nearest to you.

Cromer pier on a sunny day

Cancer services

The North Norfolk Macmillan Cancer Support Centre is located at Cromer Hospital. The team provide practical, emotional, physical and financial support to anyone who has been affected by cancer. They are able to signpost and refer to other organisations, support groups and services within the local community.

Macmillan Centre at Cromer Hospital with arm chairs, a coffee table and an array of Macmillan leaflets

Support

At our centres across the region, we offer support to anyone affected by cancer.

About us

We are a local, people-first charity providing outstanding cancer support.

Research

We fund vital, world-class research to help prevent, diagnose and treat cancer.

Let’s keep in touch

Subscribe to our mailing list to receive news and updates from Big C.

Useful resources > Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital

Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital

The Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (NNUH) is one of the largest cancer centres in the UK and one of the main cancer treatment hospitals in our region. NNUH is a centre of excellence for cancer care, providing specialist services from screening through to diagnosis, treatments and living with and beyond cancer, using the latest technology and research available.

Call

Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital main switchboard:

01603 286286

Call

Colney Centre:

01603 288949

Visit

Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital, Colney Lane, Colney, Norwich, Norfolk

NR4 7UY

Getting to the hospital

Based just outside Norwich, off the A47 and A11, NNUH is easily accessible from the rest of the county. 

The address is Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital, Colney Lane, Colney, Norwich, Norfolk, NR4 7UY

A scenic view of Norwich

Public transport

Regular Bus services to the hospital are available from the city centre and surrounding towns and villages including Dereham, Wymondham and Hethersett.

A wide-angled shot of the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital.

Cancer services

Treatments given at NNUH including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiotherapy, brachytherapy and surgical interventions. You will be allocated a Clinical Nurse Specialist who will be there to support you and answer any concerns or queries. The Big C centre team based at the NNUH will also be there to give continuous support and are located a short walk down from the Colney Centre.

NNUH has a state of the art endoscopy department (within the nearby Quadram Institute) and a PET CT scanner which reduces the need to travel, for a more in-depth scan. 

A woman being scanned in a medical machine.

Support

At our centres across the region, we offer support to anyone affected by cancer.

About us

We are a local, people-first charity providing outstanding cancer support.

Research

We fund vital, world-class research to help prevent, diagnose and treat cancer.

Let’s keep in touch

Subscribe to our mailing list to receive news and updates from Big C.

Useful resources > Queen Elizabeth Hospital

Queen Elizabeth Hospital, King’s Lynn

The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, King’s Lynn NHS Trust is a acute hospital serving the communities of West Norfolk, South Lincolnshire and East Cambridgeshire.

Call

Queen Elizabeth Hospital main switchboard:
01603 286286

Visit

Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Gayton Road, King’s Lynn, Norfolk
PE30 4ET

Getting to the hospital

The address is Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Gayton Road, King’s Lynn, Norfolk, PE30 4ET

A road sign with the letter H on, directing people to the nearest hospital.

Public transport

There are several Lynx bus routes that serve the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. Visit their website to find the route nearest to you.

An image of the river in Kings Lynn.

Cancer services

The Queen Elizabeth Hospital offer a large range of services, support and information, these include:

A blood taking services, Cancer Wellbeing and Support Centre, Cervical Screening, Chemotherapy suite, CNS (Clinical Nurse Specialist) Support Line
Day treatment room, King’s Lynn Breast Screening Service and Paediatric oncology service.

The Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Kings Lynn

Support

At our centres across the region, we offer support to anyone affected by cancer.

About us

We are a local, people-first charity providing outstanding cancer support.

Research

We fund vital, world-class research to help prevent, diagnose and treat cancer.

Let’s keep in touch

Subscribe to our mailing list to receive news and updates from Big C.

Useful resources > Care for a palliative diagnosis

Care for a palliative diagnosis

When you are diagnosed as ‘palliative’, it means that the cancer cannot be cured, but with the right treatments and support, your symptoms and side effects can be kept under control to help you continue living your life as normally as possible. This can be a really unsettling time for everyone, and at times you may feel confused about what it all means.

How can Big C help?

Big C is here to support you and your family through this difficult time. The team is available to listen as well as give advice on a wide variety of topics including physical concerns, spiritual care, and practical worries, such as finances.

Practical worries, such as finances, wills, legal information and ensuring everything is in place you need, by having some of those difficult conversations. We offer specialist advise services to address all of these and any other concerns, you or your loved ones may have.

What is palliative care?

Palliative care is care given to improve the quality of life for patients and their families. It’s an approach that addresses the person as a whole, not just the disease.

Organisations across Norfolk and Waveney are working closely to develop palliative care services, by investing in education and training of staff in palliative and end of life care. This will result in improved palliative and end of life care for patients and their families.

A person comforting another by putting their hand on top of theirs

What does palliative care mean for you?

Your doctor or specialist team would have advised you that your condition has moved to a palliative phase, where it is no longer curable. There may be treatment options available to ensure you are comfortable and are able to carry on with the things you enjoy doing. 

Palliative care encompasses physical, psychological, social and spiritual aspects of your needs.

A picture of somebody holding a drink in a white mug.

Does it mean I’m going to die?

There is a difference between palliative and end of life (terminal care). Palliative means your condition is no longer curable, but you are not at the end of your life. Those approaching the end of their lives, usually have a 6 month to 1-year prognosis.

A close up of a tea light candle with other candles blurred out in the background

Find the right support group for you

There are various Big C support groups that can help you, specifically around dealing with palliative care diagnosis, including groups for men, women and carers as well as a specific palliative care support group.

A group of people chatting in a Big C support centre.

Further support

A close up of a grey towel rolled up on a therapy bed
Complementary therapies

We can offer complementary therapy treatments such as reflexology to help relax you. From reflexology to massage and relaxation to reiki. 

Somebody talking to a therapist.
Counselling

We provide specialist counsellors and advisors to support you and your family with the emotional aspect; this can be dealing with emotions, such as depression, fear and anxiety. 

An image of a patient, laying in hospital having their hand held by a visitor.
Frequently asked questions

Take a look at some of the most common questions we’re asked, and if you can’t find the answer to what you’re looking for, just get in touch.

Palliative care is not about the last few days, or hours of your life. It’s about ensuring your life is as good as it can be right until the end.

We’ve helped people like Louise

Following a routine mammogram screening, Louise was told that a lump was found in her breast, resulting in a breast cancer diagnosis in August 2019. This is her story…

Photo of Louise Prentice sitting in a chair receiving treatment

Browse

We can help you work through the maze of cancer information.

Support

At our centres across the region, we offer support to anyone affected by cancer.

About us

We are a local, people-first charity providing outstanding cancer support.

Let’s keep in touch

Subscribe to our mailing list to receive news and updates from Big C.