2. About Macmillan Cancer Support
Teachers’ notes
This presentation can be used in an assembly or lesson to introduce your pupils to Macmillan and how we help people affected by cancer.
With more than one in three people in the UK diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lives, we are all affected by cancer. That’s why it’s important that young people get the true facts about cancer and know how to reduce their risk of getting the disease. Learning about Macmillan and cancer also meet several PSHE, Citizenship and Science National Curriculum objectives and Every Child Matters outcomes.
Two optional slides at the end of this presentation give the basic facts about cancer and how young people can reduce the risk of getting the disease. We also provide a comprehensive teaching pack called Cancertalk to help you talk about cancer with young people. To order your free pack and get further advice and support, visit macmillan.org.uk/schools
If pupils are affected by cancer, either directly or indirectly, you can order our publication, Talking to children when an adult has cancer from macmillan.org.uk/publications. Alternatively, call out cancer support specialists on (Monday–Friday, 8am–9pm).
Secondary school presentation

3. Macmillan supports people affected by cancer – that’s people who have cancer as well as their carers, family and friends.
What is cancer?
Your body is made up of tiny building blocks called cells. Cancer is an illness that affects these cells and stops the body from working properly.
There are two million people in the UK living with or beyond cancer. The Macmillan team want to be there for every one of those people.
They are the nurses who help with cancer treatments. The experts on the end of the phone. The volunteers giving a hand with the everyday things. The campaigners improving cancer care. The fundraisers who make it all possible.
Teachers’ notes
Macmillan’s latest TV advert ‘For Cancer Support Every Step of the Way’ along with video clips about our team can be found at youtube.com/user/MacmillanCancer and under the ‘About us’ section of our website macmillan.org.uk

4. Macmillan nurses and doctors support people through their cancer treatment. They offer emotional support and help people deal with their symptoms and pain.

5. Anyone affected by cancer can call Macmillan’s Support Line
Anyone affected by cancer can call Macmillan’s Support Line. Macmillan’s cancer support specialists are there to answer questions about cancer or just listen if people want to chat.

6. Many people who have cancer face extra costs for, like travelling to hospital appointments. Macmillan’s experts talk people through their money worries, give benefits advice, and grants for anything from heating bills to a much needed break.

7. Macmillan’s team of volunteers help people living with cancer with everyday things like shopping or a lift to hospital.

8. Macmillan also campaigns to raise awareness of issues that affect people living with cancer.
For example, nearly one in five people with cancer turn off the heating, even though they're cold, because they're worried about paying their energy bills. Macmillan is fighting for people with cancer to receive a discount on their energy bills.

9. To help Macmillan continue its good work, many people get involved in fundraising activities.
The World’s Biggest Coffee Morning is Macmillan’s biggest fundraising event. Each year, thousands of people get together at school, at home and at work and hold a coffee morning to raise money for people affected by cancer.
Teachers’ notes
The World’s Biggest Coffee Morning takes place on the last Friday of September every year, although you can hold your whenever suits you best.
To order a fundraising pack or find out more, visit coffee.macmillan.org.uk

10. Want to find out more? Visit our website macmillan.org.uk
Macmillan Support Line
Monday–Friday, 9am–8pm
To find out more about Macmillan and how you can get involved, visit
If you need have any questions about cancer or need support you can call the Macmillan Support Line free on (Mon–Fri, 9am–8pm).
Teachers’ notes
If you have any questions about fundraising or want to find out more about our work with schools and young people check out macmillan.org.uk/schools. Or drop us an at

11. Keeping healthy
Unfortunately the cause of most cancers is not known. You can’t ‘catch’ cancer from other people and it’s very rare for young people to develop cancer, it most often affects people who are much older (over 65).
The chances of getting it vary from person to person – everything from age and lifestyle to genetics and our environment can play a part.
The bit you have most control over is your lifestyle. Eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, being safe in the sun and not smoking are good lifestyle habits that will help you reduce your risk of getting cancer and other serious illnesses later in life.
Teachers’ notes
Macmillan’s free teaching pack Cancertalk includes lesson plans, worksheets and video clips to help you talk to young people about cancer and healthy lifestyle choices. Order yours today at macmillan.org.uk/teachingpacks