Chatrooms, discussion forums and message boards
On this page you will find links to chatrooms, discussion forums and message boards for people with cancer or other conditions, or for their carers.
Where possible our links will direct you to the specific web page containing the information we refer to below rather than to the home page of an organisation.
Some sites allow you to look at existing discussions without registering as a user, but will require you to register before you can join in the discussions. Other sites will require you to register before you can look at or join in with existing discussions.
Some of these chatrooms or forums may discuss medical issues. Please note that you should always consult your doctor or consultant before acting on medical advice from any other source.
Many of the websites mentioned on this page provide other information and/or services besides chatrooms.
Cancer – general
Cancerbackup has launched an online community for people affected by cancer. You can create your own profile page and add other users to your buddy list to keep up with how they are. You can also chat online to people in similar situations – discussion forum subjects include general cancer, different types of cancer, cancer treatments and having a friend or family member with cancer.
The Cancer Buddies Network is an online support network offering private messaging and a chat forum for anyone affected by cancer, their families, friends and carers.
Macmillan Cancer Support hosts discussion forums on a wide variety of topics, including experiences of cancer and advice on practical issues.
OncoChat provides a chatroom offering support for cancer patients, their families and their friends from people in a similar situation. OncoChat does not host or provide medical advice or professional counselling.
The American Cancer Society website hosts a message board.
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Cancer - for young people
CLICSargent offers an online community and message boards/discussion forums where parents and young people can share stories and experiences about childhood cancer.
The Teenage Cancer Trust hosts a chatroom forum which focuses on the needs of teenagers and young adults with cancer.
The Youth Cancer Trust hosts a chatroom for young people with cancer.
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Specific cancers
Breast cancer
Breast Cancer Awareness hosts discussion forums.
Breast Cancer Care offers discussion forums, Ask the Nurse and live chat online.
Coping with Breast Cancer runs a message board.
Cervical cancer
Jo’s Trust offers discussion forums.
Liver cancer
The British Liver Trust offers general and Hepatitis B forums.
Kidney cancer
Kidney Cancer UK hosts discussions about a range of subjects including diagnosis, treatment, and caring for someone with kidney cancer.
Lung cancer
The Roy Castle Lung Foundation provides a discussion forum.
Prostate Cancer
The Prostate Cancer Charity hosts a message board for men who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer.
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Other conditions
The Alzheimer's Society Talking point offers an online discussion forum for people with dementia and their carers.
UK National Kidney Federation hosts a discussion board Talkline.
The Multiple Sclerosis Society hosts discussion boards on subjects such as everyday issues, young people, newly diagnosed patients, and carers of people with MS.
SCOPE covers cerebral palsy and disability issues in its discussion forums.
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General
DIPEx has discussion forums for people to share their experiences of many different illnesses, including cancer.
U Talk Health offers general health forums, chatrooms and support groups.
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For carers
The Alzheimer's Society Talking point offers an online discussion forum for people with dementia and their carers.
CareShare hosts a general message board for carers.
Carers UK provides a forum for carers to exchange tips and advice, discuss specific illnesses, and chat informally.
Carers United offers a message board for carers. It includes sections such as practical and financial issues, links to useful organisations and social areas.
The Multiple Sclerosis Society has a discussion board for carers to exchange experiences, advice and tips.
Youreable.com provides a support and advice forum for carers, with threads offering advice and support on issues affecting carers.
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Please note: Marie Curie Cancer Care provides links to third party websites where appropriate and is not responsible for the availability or content of any of these linked sites.
