Breathing exercises and relaxation techniques may help you if you become breathless.

Try to stay calm if you become breathless. This is easier said than done sometimes. But the more anxious you get, the tighter your muscles will be, and the worse your breathing will become.

Managing breathlessness

Follow the link below to watch a video and access resources from Cancer Research UK that can help you practise different breathing techniques.

Cancer Research UK – Breathing relaxation techniques

A cancer diagnosis might mean that changes need to be made to diet due to the cancer itself or treatment that you are receiving.
Your cancer nursing team will provide you with information about your diet, if changes are required and in some cases a referral will be made to the dietetics team.
More general information about diet can also be found on the Macmillan website:

• Common questions about diet and cancer
• Stay healthy – eat a balanced diet
• Building up diet
• Healthy eating and cancer
• Eating problems and cancer
• What is a healthy, balanced diet?

You can also find useful information about diet and nutrition using the links below:

• Eating well
• Nutrition after a cancer diagnosis
• Protein – why it is important and where to find it

It is common to experience a wide range of emotions when you have been diagnosed with cancer and have to have treatment to treat or manage it. There is no right or wrong way to feel as everyone will cope in their own way. Your cancer team or the Macmillan Support Service can support you.

Dealing with anxieties

Find out more

Macmillan – How are you feeling?

Cancer and your emotions – Macmillan

What is Cancer Related Fatigue (CRF)?

This is a feeling of tiredness or exhaustion. This can range from mild tiredness that is better after a period of rest, to extreme tiredness (fatigue) where you have no energy at all. Fatigue is a very common symptom of cancer and cancer treatment that can affect you physically, psychologically and emotionally.

When can Cancer Related Fatigue (CRF) happen?

Sometimes CRF is present even before you realise you have cancer. Common symptoms of fatigue can occur during the following times:

• Before treatment because of the cancer’s physical toll on the body
• The physical and emotional stress of diagnosing your cancer
• During treatment (chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy or hormone therapy)
• After treatment or surgery
• Around discharge from the clinical team

Common symptoms of Cancer Related Fatigue (CRF)?

• Exhaustion, constant tiredness (being ‘worn-out’ or ‘run-down’) or having no energy or inadequate energy
• Brain fog, diminshed concerntration or memory-loss
• Decreased motivation
• Agitation, emotional and/or mood changes
• Weakness, feeling slow or listless or feeling you are in quicksand
• Insomnia or broken sleep

Find out more

Macmillan – Coping with fatigue

Managing energy levels

Managing and treating cancer fatigue – Cancer Research UK

Being active before, during and after treatment is safe. It can reduce fatigue along with improvements in general health and wellbeing.

Find out more

Macmillan – Physical activity

You may experience hair loss if you are having chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or hormonal and targeted (biological) therapy. If you are having surgery in an area of the body that has hair, like the head for example, the area may need to be shaved.

If you need any support with hair loss, we provide a wig service here at Airedale hospital. This service is joint with others under the ‘mobility services’. You can find more information on the wig service below:

• Mobility service
• Phone: 01535 292228

Find out more

Macmillan – Hair loss

Natural Image Wigs is our local service for wigs and referrals can be made from the chemotherapy day unit or your cancer team.

Find out more

Natural Image Wigs

For hair loss support, including lashes, brows and headscarf workshops, visit HeadWrappers.

Find out more

HeadWrappers

Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy can have side effects that sometimes last for a long time after treatment has finished.

Side effects usually go away after treatment finishes. But some take weeks or months to improve. Sometimes, certain side effects may become permanent. Others may also develop months or years after treatment. These are called late effects of treatment.

Some people may have ongoing treatment, such as hormonal therapy or other types of anti-cancer drugs. In this situation, you may still be dealing with some ongoing side effects.

Always tell your GP, cancer doctor or nurse specialist about side effects or any symptoms you have. There is usually something they can do to improve them. They can talk to you about ways to manage your side effects. Please click on the link below for more information.

Understanding the late effects of cancer treatment | Macmillan Cancer Support

Late side effects of chemotherapy

Chemotherapy treatment can affect people in different ways. Most side effects are only temporary however some people may experience long term effects as a result of chemotherapy. Please click on the link below for more information.

Late side effects of chemotherapy | Cancer Research UK

Long term side effects of radiotherapy

Radiotherapy treatment can affect people in different ways. Some people may experience long term effects following radiotherapy. Most side effects gradually go away in the weeks or months after treatment. But some can continue or start some months or years later. Please click on the link below for more information.

Long term side effects of radiotherapy | Cancer treatment | Cancer Research UK

Feeling fearful, anxious or panic is common when dealing with a cancer diagnosis. This is often increased when waiting for test results, treatment and appointments at the hospital.

Learning to relax and doing activities that help you relax can help reduce the difficult emotions. You can try the following activities to help:

• Yoga
• Gentle exercise
• Listening to music
• Gardening
• Going for a walk
• Mindfulness/meditation
• Arts and crafts
• Swimming

Learn more about coping with fear, anxiety and panic on the Cancer Research UK website.

You are not alone in experiencing menopausal symptoms after cancer treatment. Just because you have, or have had cancer, does not mean you need to put up with these symptoms if you want help. Your GP or Cancer Specialist Nurse will often be able to help, and if needed can refer you to specialist menopause services available on the NHS where appropriate.

The West Yorkshire and Harrogate Cancer Alliance have created a dedicated Menopause and Cancer page on their website. Please click on the link for more information and support.

Menopause and Cancer

Menopause and Cancer aims to bring together a community of people with a community of experts for a more supported, better informed and empowered menopause experience. The site offers a range of accessible, practical support and services which bridge the information gap and create a sense of community and belonging

Mindfulness is a technique practised to enable us to be fully aware of ourselves, others and the environment. This includes being aware of and accepting without judgement, our bodies, emotions and senses, as they happen.

It is a skill that all of us are capable of, but it can take practice if you’re used to doing several things at once, rushing through things or being emotionally provoked.

To be mindful is to be calm and alert to the present moment and the practise can help manage difficult emotions that often happen when we are stressed and worried.

You can learn more and access free resources or paid for courses on the Breathworks website.

Worries about money and work are very common for people affected by cancer. There are a number of services that can help support you with money and work concerns. These include:

Macmillan Support Line (MSL)

The Macmillan Support Line offers a confidential support to people living with cancer and their loved ones.

You can contact the MSL money advisers to find about the benefits and support you might be entitled to. Learn more about the different ways the Macmillan advisors can help you here.

You can call the MSL for free on 0808 808 00 00 (8am-8pm Monday to Friday and 8am-5pm Saturday to Sunday).

Cancer Support Yorkshire (CSY)

Cancer Support Yorkshire is a small, independant charity providing practical and emotional support to people affected by cancer since 1988. This service offers a wide range of services, including:

• Welfare Rights – Cancer Support Yorkshire
• Wellbeing – Cancer Support Yorkshire
• Counselling – Cancer Support Yorkshire

If you feel any of these services would help you, please contact Cancer Support Yorkshire on 01274 77 66 88 or complete a contact form here for a member of the CSY team to make contact with you as soon as possible.

Bradford District & Craven Wellbeing Network

The Bradford District & Craven Wellbeing Network is run by the voluntary and community sector in collaboration with the local NHS and Bradford council. The service supports people with their emotional wellbeing, financial and welfare advice and access to local community groups and voluntary sector services. Your cancer team can complete a referral for you, or you can self-refer. You can find more information on the service below:

• WBN Referral – Bradford Wellbeing Network
• Wellbeing Network Referral form
• System Access Team: 01274 265222

Vocational Rehabilitation Service

Free to access NHS service is here to help people across Bradford District and Craven who are struggling with health conditions and finding it harder to stay in work.

You can find more information and how to access the service by clicking here.

Please find more easy read information below

Help with costs when you have cancer – easy read guide

Claiming benefits when you have cancer – easy read guide

Work and cancer – easy read guide

Boots Beauty Advisors

Look Good Feel Better

Breast Cancer Now – skin care and makeup tutorials

Cancer and treatments can affect many areas of sexual wellbeing. There may be changes that are physical, emotional or practical. Many changes are temporary and usually resolve after treatment ends. If you have any concerns they can be raised with your cancer team at any time.

Find out more

Macmillan – Sex and cancer

Your sex life and cancer – easy read booklet

Sex talk: What’s the problem | Shine Cancer Support

Sex, sexuality and cancer | Cancer Research UK

Some of the difficulties with sleep that people with cancer often struggle with are:

• Difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep.
• Hot flushes and night sweats which can cause people to wake or make it difficult to get comfortable to sleep.
• Excessive daytime sleepiness, restless legs syndrome and worry/anxiety.

Mental reframing is about reviewing the negative thoughts and emotions around sleep and beginning to develop more positive and mindful habits.

Relaxation techniques: Both progressive muscle relaxation and deep breathing exercises physically calm the body into a state conducive to sleep. The process of completing the exercises also gives the mind something to focus on, other than the worries and anxiety about cancer.

Sleep hygiene: Good sleep behaviour, such as following a bedtime routine, adhering to a consistent sleep schedule, keeping the bedroom cool and dark and avoiding heavy meals, stimulating caffeine or alcohol at night.

Sleep schedule: Only spend time in bed when you’re supposed to be asleep and get out of bed at wake time, whether or not you have had a full 7 hours. It is advised to not take naps during the day. The idea behind sleep restriction is that it eventually forces the brain to naturally adhere to that set sleep schedule.

Sleep products

• Cooling products can provide relief for cancer patients dealing with night sweats or hot flushes. These mattresses are designed with more breathable materials, such as gel-infused foams or latex, to provide a cooler sleep surface.
• White noise machines help many individuals with insomnia fall asleep. These standalone electronics or smartphone apps have large libraries of nature sounds, classical music or traditional white noise to block out distracting noise and thoughts.
• Weighted blankets can be calming for a variety of individuals, but many patients with Restless Leg Syndrome find that they adequately soothe symptoms.
• The Macmillan Cancer Support website has more information about difficulty sleeping.
• The Headspace app offers meditations and support when experiencing difficulty sleeping.
• Sleepio is a clinically evidenced sleep improvement programme which is fully automated and highly personalised using cognative behavioural techniques to help improve poor sleep.

Getting to your cancer appointments and treatment

Travelling to hospital for cancer appointments and treatment can sometimes feel difficult, particularly if you have regular appointments or are experiencing side effects from treatment.

There are different options available to help you get to and from your appointments. The type of transport you use will depend on your health, mobility and individual circumstances.

Visiting Airedale General Hospital

For planning your visit to Airedale General Hospital, including getting here and parking, please click here.

Yorkshire Ambulance Service (YAS) non-emergency patient transport service (NEPTS)

NEPTS may be available if your medical condition or mobility means you cannot safely travel to hospital by car, public transport or taxi.

Patient transport is not based on having a cancer diagnosis alone. Eligibility is based on your individual medical and mobility needs. NHS-funded transport is generally reserved for people who need additional support to travel safely or where travelling by other means could have a significant impact on their health or recovery.

If you think you may need patient transport, please speak to your cancer team, GP or the healthcare professional responsible for your appointment. They can advise you about eligibility and how transport is arranged. For more information on NEPTS, please click here.

Travelling by car

If you are able to travel by car, you may be able to ask a family member, friend or carer to take you to your appointment.

Please check the hospital you are visiting’s parking information before you travel, as parking availability and charges vary between hospitals. You may also be entitled to help with travel costs if you meet the eligibility criteria for the Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme (HTCS) – NHS.

Public Transport

If you are well enough to travel independantly, you may be able to use bus, train or other public transport.

If you are having cancer treatment and are unsure whether it is safe for you to use public transport, ask your cancer team for advice. Your treatment, side effects or immune system may affect what is appropriate for you.

Help with the cost of travelling

If you are on a low income and meet certain eligibility criteria, you may be able to claim back reasonable travel costs for NHS hospital appointments and treatment through the Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme (HTCS) – NHS. You may be able to claim for travel by:

• Bus or train
• Your own car, including an appropriate mileage allowance
• Certain parking or toll costs

You will normally need to provide your appointment details, travel recipts and evidence that you meet the eligibility criteria. You should check the rules before travelling, particularly if you plan to use a taxi.

For financial and welfare rights support, please find the relevant support services under the ‘Money and work’ section on this page.

Other transport options

Some local councils, charities and voluntary organisations provide transport for people travelling to hospital appointments. Availability varies depending on where you live.

Your cancer team, including your Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) and Cancer Care Coordinator (CCC) may be able to tell you about local transport schemes and other sources of support.

Local community transport services within the Keighley and surrounding area includes:

• Keighley Community Transport
• Driving Miss Daisy – Patient Transport – Accessible Transport & Companionship – Driving Miss Daisy Keighley

Worried about getting to your appointment?

Please don’t miss a cancer appointment because you are struggling with transport.

Speak to your cancer team as soon as possible if you are worried about how you will get to hospital. They may be able to help you explore your options or signpost you to the right support.

Find out more

Transport and parking | Macmillan Cancer Support

Managing the symptoms of cancer

Side effects of cancer treatment

How are you feeling? The emotional effects of cancer

Work and cancer

Coping with fatigue

Coping with hair loss

Cancer and fertility

Managing cancer pain

Eating problems and cancer

The building-up diet

Body image and cancer

Feel more like you

Cancer and complementary therapies

Bone health and cancer treatment

Cancer and your sex life

Managing breathlessness

Claiming benefits when you have cancer – easy read

Help with costs when you have cancer – easy read

Complementary therapies – easy read

Talking about cancer and your feelings – easy read