Cancer United Impact Assessment 2025 Summary Report
Overview
During September 2024 and February 2025, Cancer United (CU) - a support charity in West Sussex for those whose lives have been affected by a cancer diagnosis - conducted a member survey to assess the effectiveness of its programs.
The survey was completed by 89 members (22% of the total membership) who provided powerful evidence of CU’s unique and transformative role in supporting cancer patients’ emotional, physical, and social wellbeing.
Key Findings
Key Survey Highlights
- Members represented diverse cancer types (notably breast, prostate, and bowel).
- 75% were retired; most living with a cancer diagnosis for over 3 years.
- 74% had prompt diagnoses, but only 41% experienced meaningful GP involvement.
- Few accessed pre-habilitation (15%) or rehabilitation (27%), highlighting an urgent need for better education and integration of these critical recovery services.
Impact Highlights
- Emotional uplift: 71% felt more hopeful and positive after joining CU; 69% feeling better supported and understood.
- Physical benefits: 96% of CUFitter participants felt their fitness and general wellbeing improved.
- Social connection: 85% valued friendships and community they found at CU; 76% said peer sharing highly beneficial — key to reducing isolation.
- Overall excellence:: 84% rated CU’s services as excellent - no respondent rated them poorly.
“CU helped me face and accept I had cancer. I was finally able to talk, (read) cancer information. Stop being a hermit, socialise and live again.”
Looking Ahead
Cancer United plans to:
- Develop a dedicated Cancer Centre in Angmering.
- Expand exercise offerings to better serve younger patients.
- Train more cancer-specialist instructors.
- Conduct annual impact assessments and new research on peer support and emotional resilience.
Cancer United Impact Assessment 2025 Summary Report
About Cancer United
Is a unique cancer support charity for all those whose lives have been affected by a cancer diagnosis which aims to improve the physical and mental wellbeing of those with cancer from diagnosis.
Inspiring them to embrace the things they can do and to refuse to be defined by what they can’t whilst also giving support to those close to them.
Contact details
Telephone: 01903 779880
Website: www.cancerunited.org.uk
Healthwatch West Sussex is proud to support Cancer United in their endeavour to collect, review, and consolidate data, recognising the vital importance of amplifying the voices of people living with and beyond cancer.
We are pleased to have freely contributed our support in creating a summary of the report, helping ensure that members’ experiences and insights are at the heart of future improvements.
