Useful resources

The Clinical Psychology department based at the Bristol Haematology & Oncology Centre have produced a range of booklets and films designed to help patients before, during and after their cancer treatment.  All of them are available from the Cancer Information and Support Centre. In addition, you can download them from the links below. 

Booklets

These booklets are in PDF format and can be printed out at home or read on your computer screen.

• Overcoming stress and anxiety 
  One of the most common emotions felt by people with cancer is fear or anxiety. This booklet is designed to help you understand both why we feel anxiety and, more importantly, what we can do to control it. The booklet refers to relaxation exercises which also can be downloaded (please see below). These self-help methods of controlling anxiety have been shown, through many research studies, to be extremely effective. 
• Managing the stress of cancer
  This booklet is concerned with what people go through after they have been diagnosed with cancer and how they manage the stress of this difficult time. It is based upon what patients say they find difficult and what they have found helpful. It is also based on sound psychological theory and research.
• Overcoming insomnia
  About one in three people with cancer report sleeping difficulties (insomnia) at some point during their treatment.  This workbook teaches you about sleep, helps you identify possible causes for your insomnia, and suggests a number of ways to improve your sleep patterns.

Websites

Local	National
Penny Brohn cancer care http://bosombuddiesbristol.org http://www.firmroots.org.uk http://www.goshbristol.com/about-us http://www.the-harbour.co.uk http://www.prostatecancerbristol.org.uk www.braintumoursupport.co.uk	Macmillan Breast cancer care Lymphoma association Rarer cancers forum Bowel cancer UK Brain tumour UK Myeloma UK Leukaemia research Youth cancer Trust Teenage cancer Trust The Carers Trust Leukaemia CARE Shine Cancer Support Anthony Nolan

Videos             

Audio wellbeing guide

These tracks are a series of short relaxation exercises designed to help you learn how to relax.  They should be practised every day for several weeks, preferably not first thing in the morning or last thing at night (unless you experience insomnia) because these are times when the body is often already relaxed. 

Only do the exercises which feel comfortable.  They should not hurt when you do them.

A booklet to accompany the tracks is available from the Macmillan Cancer Support Worker team.  Tel 0117 342 1526 or email macmillansupport@ubhw.nhs.uk for a copy.

 

One of a Kind

One of a Kind is the award-winning animated film that was the idea of Jancis Kinsman, Advanced Practice Therapy Radiographer at the Bristol Haemotology & Oncology Centre (BHOC). The film involved children who received radiotherapy at the BHOC and then took part in an Aardman animation to show others what it is like to have the treatment.

Jancis said: I felt that a short animated film with characters that young children could identify with was the best way to communicate to them what it is like to have radiotherapy. The film is a valuable tool for preparing children and their families for radiotherapy and complements the wonderful work already done by specialist paediatric radiographers, oncologists and play specialists around the country.  

              

Should you have any feedback about any of these materials, please let us know by writing to:

The Clinical Psychology Department
Bristol Haematology & Oncology Centre
Horfield Road
Bristol BS2 8ED

Advisors from the Citizen's Advice Bureau are available with advice on benefits.

Find out more at the Cancer Information and Support Centre.

Other information providing high quality, up-to-date cancer information for cancer patients, their families and carers is available from Macmillan Cancer Support and a glossary of commonly used terms in cancer from Cancer Help UK.