Following trials, Living Well, a service for people living with cancer is now being offered across England.
Penny Brohn Cancer Care and the University of Westminster have been evaluating Living Well, a combination of support exploring emotional and psychological wellbeing, stress management techniques, lifestyle choices such as diet and exercise and financial and welfare issues.
Research carried out by Macmillan Cancer Support has already shown that many people affected by cancer, including carers and family members, suffer from psychological and emotional distress as a result of a cancer diagnosis.
Many of these issues, the charity explains, are identified too late to prevent costly interventions and unnecessary use of health services. Psychological and emotional support is also a key element of the government's National Cancer Survivorship Initiative (NCSI).
Evaluation of Penny Brohn Cancer Care's Living Well service has shown that 87% of participants reported psychological and emotional concerns when they started the programme.
The majority of respondents also said they had made significant lifestyle changes around diet, exercise and were using the stress management techniques from the course.
Michael Connors, director of services at Penny Brohn Cancer Care said: "Our early evaluation shows the service is helping people with cancer, and their supporters, to make real changes that actively improve their physical health and emotional wellbeing.
"That's why we're now working with the NHS and other partners to deliver life-changing support to people living with cancer and aim to expand this service in communities and locations across England."
Following an initial 100 courses, funding has now been secured to deliver the courses in communities and healthcare settings across England.
Glyn Berwick, chief executive, Penny Brohn Cancer Care added: "This could have a fundamental impact on how people living with cancer are supported, both through the NHS and partner organisations, offering opportunities to improve outcomes and reduce demands on the NHS services."
