Demand for Cancer Support Services Surges in Jersey

Macmillan Cancer Support Jersey has experienced a substantial rise in demand for its services over the past five years, according to the charity's annual report covering 2025. The report highlights a growing need for emotional, practical, and wellbeing support among individuals affected by cancer.

Counselling and higher-level emotional support sessions more than doubled in Jersey, increasing by 105% from 407 in 2021 to 835 in 2025. Complementary therapy sessions also saw a significant increase, rising by 138% from 405 in 2021 to 965 in 2025. In total, the charity delivered 4,253 support sessions to Islanders affected by cancer in 2025, with an additional 308 people accessing the drop-in cancer support and wellbeing center without a referral.

Steph Gibaut, CEO of Macmillan Jersey, emphasized the personalized approach the charity has taken, stating, "Over the past five years, we have transformed the way we support people affected by cancer. We are identifying needs earlier, offering more personalised care and providing a wider range of emotional, practical and wellbeing support."

A key development highlighted in the report is the formal introduction of holistic needs assessments, which help identify a person's physical, emotional, practical, and financial needs early in their cancer experience. This allows for the creation of an individual care plan tailored to each person's situation.

During the five-year strategy period from 2021 to 2025, Macmillan Cancer Support Jersey generated £4.38 million in income and invested £3.44 million in services. In 2025 alone, the charity raised £963,090 and invested £890,352 in its work. A notable fundraising event, the Tour des Pyrénées, saw 52 cyclists raise a record-breaking £236,000.

Looking ahead, the charity's new strategy for 2026 to 2030 will focus on expanding emotional, wellbeing, and group support, as well as enhancing services for individuals living with and beyond cancer. Gibaut acknowledged the ongoing and evolving needs of those affected by cancer, stating, "We are incredibly proud of what has been achieved, but we also know that demand continues to grow and people's needs are changing."