A free course to help cancer patients and their loved ones deal with the shock, upheaval and distress of the disease will begin at Epsom Hospital later this month.

The seven week programme titled 'Managing the cancer experience' begins on May 18 and runs until June 29.

The course will help patients deal with every aspect of cancer, from the first diagnosis.

Topics include diet and nutrition, relaxation to complement therapies and how cancer affects the human body.

Cancer information manager, Tarlika Patel, said: “The course tries to be as comprehensive as possible, and this year we’re focusing on ‘survivorship.’

“For example, we’ve developed the course to bring in issues that can arise from working during and after treatment, as well as how to deal with the changes people may experience at both diagnosis and recovery stages.

“More people survive cancer now than ever before, so this practical element of the course has become more prominent year on year.”

The course, which is completely free, will run on Wednesday afternoons from 2pm until 4pm at the Macmillan Butterfly Centre, Epsom Hospital.

Ms Patel added: “Feedback from previous courses has been very positive, and the whole ethos is one of support.

"Carers, relatives and loved ones are all welcome to attend, as the information we provide often applies to those living with he indirect consequences of cancer too.”

For more information and to book a place, please call Tarlika Patel, Pam Battell or Sheena Woodward on 01372 735 456 or email tarlika.patel@esth.nhs.uk.