Planning For The Future

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A cancer diagnosis often brings a renewed sense of wanting to get things in order — not out of fear, but out of a desire to feel in control and to take care of the people who matter most. Planning ahead is one of the most positive, empowering things you can do at any stage of life, and especially now.

This section covers practical steps from writing a will and setting up a Power of Attorney, to thinking about life after treatment and making sure your financial affairs are in good shape for the future. There are also links to our own guides and trusted external resources for every topic.

If you’d like to talk through any of these topics with someone, our team is here. We support people affected by cancer across Dorset, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

Looking ahead with confidence

We have provided overviews for the areas you may want to consider as part of your planning for the future. Alongside guidance and tips from our Services Team, you will also find links to trusted websites to support you navigate next steps.

Writing a will is one of the kindest things you can do for the people you love. It ensures your wishes are clearly recorded, removes the burden of uncertainty from your family and gives you the chance to decide exactly what happens to your estate, large or small.

Without a will, the law – not you – decides who inherits what. This can lead to unnecessary stress and delay for your family at an already difficult time. A will can also include guidance on sentimental items, funeral wishes and who you’d like to care for any dependent children.

We regularly partner with local solicitors to offer free or reduced-cost will-writing schemes. Ask your local cancer support team or your local Citizens Advice bureau for details.

Learn more

You can learn more about gifts in wills here. Alternatively, you can visit these trusted websites:

A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a legal document that allows you to appoint someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf if you’re ever unable to do so yourself. There are two types: one for property and financial affairs and one for health and welfare.

Without an LPA in place, even a spouse or close family member has no automatic right to manage your finances or make medical decisions on your behalf. Setting up an LPA while you are well gives your loved ones clarity and legal authority if they ever need to act for you.

LPAs are created through the Office of the Public Guardian and must be registered before they can be used so it’s important to start the process early. A solicitor can guide you through it or you can use the online service at GOV.UK.

Learn more

You can learn more by visiting these trusted websites:

Advance care planning is the process of thinking through and recording your wishes about your future healthcare and personal care, particularly in case there comes a time when you can’t communicate those wishes yourself.

This might include an Advance Statement (what matters to you), an Advance Decision to Refuse Treatment (a legally binding document) or a Recommended Summary Plan for Emergency Care and Treatment (ReSPECT form).

Talking to your clinical team about advance care planning can feel daunting but many people find it brings real peace of mind, for themselves and for their family.

Learn more

You can learn more by visiting these trusted websites:

Prehabilitation – or ‘prehab’ – means taking steps before treatment begins to improve your physical and mental fitness so that you’re as strong as possible going in. Research shows that people who are physically and mentally prepared for treatment often recover more quickly and experience fewer complications.

Prehab might involve increasing your physical activity, eating well, stopping smoking, reducing alcohol intake or addressing anxiety. Your cancer team can advise on what’s appropriate for your specific treatment plan.

Learn more

You can learn more by visiting these trusted websites:

Finishing treatment is a significant milestone but it can also bring unexpected challenges. Many people find the transition back to everyday life harder than they expected, with feelings of anxiety, uncertainty about the future or physical after-effects that take time to resolve.

A Personalised Care and Support Plan, developed with your clinical team, can help you manage the transition. Macmillan’s ‘HOPE’ course and similar programmes also provide structured support for life after treatment. All our Centres will be pleased to welcome you while you get back to your ‘new normal’, too.

Learn more

You can learn more by visiting these trusted websites:

A cancer diagnosis can raise important questions about your life insurance and pension arrangements. It’s worth reviewing your existing policies to understand what cover you have and speaking to your pension provider about your options, particularly if you are considering early retirement or a change in working hours.

While obtaining new life insurance after a diagnosis can be challenging, specialist providers do exist. The Money and Pensions Service offers free, impartial guidance and can help you understand your options.

A financial adviser with experience in this area can be invaluable. Always ensure any adviser is registered with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).