Research commissioned by Marie Curie Cancer Care shows that 64 per cent of people would choose to die at home. In reality only 25 per cent achieve this.
Every year, Marie Curie Nurses make that wish possible for thousands of cancer patients in cities, towns and villages across the UK.
Marie Curie Nurses now care for around 50 per cent of all cancer patients who die at home. They work through the night or during the day to provide care for patients in the comfortable and familiar surroundings of their own home.
Our nurses are also there for families and carers - providing practical and emotional support at what can be an exhausting time. Marie Curie Nursing is always free of charge to patients and carers.
To find out how much nursing we provide in your area, along with the cost of the service to the charity and key statistics around place of death, click here to see our projected figures for the current financial year (08/09) (Excel spreadsheet, new window).
Pictured: A Marie Curie Nurse caring for a patient at home
With nine hospices across the UK, Marie Curie Cancer Care provides the largest number of hospice beds outside the NHS. The hospices offer specialist support in a relaxed, friendly and comfortable environment and no charge is ever made to patients or their families. Voluntary contributions, together with statutory government funding, are essential to continue providing these vital services.
Marie Curie scientists are at the forefront of cancer research. They focus on how the cells of our bodies should normally operate; what causes these processes to go wrong, leading to cancer; and how better treatments can be developed.
Much of the work carried out relates to the fundamental mechanisms governing proper cell division and organisation and how damage to genes which have important roles in ordinary cells can cause a cell to become cancerous.
Pictured: Marie Curie Research Institute scientists at work
The Marie Curie Palliative Care Research and Development Unit seeks to improve care for those affected by life-limiting illnesses through encouraging and carrying out research into a broad spectrum of issues relating to palliative care.
Its work includes investigations into a wide range of subjects and issues, including aromatherapy massage, constipation in cancer patients and communication skills for healthcare professionals.
Marie Curie Cancer Care - What we do: Nursing, Hospices, Marie Curie Research Institute, Palliative Care Research.
