Health inequalities and access to support

People living with cancer may face additional challenges linked to homelessness, substance use, neurodiversity, learning disabilities, cognitive changes, frailty, sensory needs or LGBTQIA+ identity. ​

​This section supports professionals in signposting individuals affected by cancer to resources that address diverse needs, experiences and barriers to support. ​

​It brings together a wide range of resources to help professionals offer informed, sensitive and consistent guidance across multiple areas of need. This includes:​

• Support for people experiencing homelessness, including guidance on entitlements, emergency support and accessing housing or financial help.​
• Substance use services, with links to local and national drug and alcohol support organisations, helplines and specialist interventions.​
• Neurodiversity and learning disability resources, offering accessible cancer‑related information and tools to support communication and support adjustments.​
• Support for individuals with cognitive impairment, including dementia and cancer‑related cognitive changes such as “chemo brain.”​

• Frailty resources, helping professionals recognise, assess and manage frailty in the context of cancer.​

• Support for the Deaf community, providing accessible information and resources for Deaf cancer users and carers.​

• LGBTQIA+ support, including guidance for professionals and links to organisations offering tailored support for LGBTQIA+ people affected by cancer, including transgender and non‑binary communities.​