A MASSIVE £1.1 million has been pumped into Fife to support cancer patients. 

The new service, launched at the Carnegie Conference Centre in Dunfermline on Monday, will ensure those with the disease are offered emotional, practical and financial support by making just one phone call. 

Fife is the third area in Scotland to be funded by Macmillan Cancer Support in this way. 

Working with Fife Health and Social Care Partnership and other third sector organisations, the charity will be making sure cancer patients across the area can access all the help they need.

The initiative, named the 'Fife Macmillan Improving the Cancer Journey Service', will see every newly-diagnosed cancer patient in Fife sent a letter offering a meeting with a dedicated one-to-one support worker. 

The worker will then help the patient access a wide range of support, from benefits advice and emotional support to help at home or with other practical needs. 

Anyone currently living with cancer can also access the service by simply calling the team to arrange an appointment.

Macmillan's head of services in Scotland, Janice Preston, said: "Cancer has a huge impact on every aspect of people's lives and many patients tell us they don't know where to turn for help. 

"This new service should make sure everyone in Fife with cancer has someone to call on for help, no matter what they need. We hope this service will transform cancer support in Fife.

"It’s thanks to the continued support from people locally, who fundraise for us and donate so generously, that we are able to fund this vital new service. 

"With their help we are able to make a huge difference to the lives of people affected by cancer in Fife."

Fife is a region with a higher than average incidence of all main cancers. There are 13,500 people living with cancer in Fife and this is expected to grow to more than 24,000 by 2030.

Shirley-Anne Somerville, MSP for Dunfermline, said: "The thing that strikes me is how this system will meet the needs of everyone all of the time, not just some of the time. 

"It's important that we look at the individual’s perspective and their families and carers. 

"It's such an exciting opportunity for Fife. 

"I congratulate everyone that has got us to this stage in Fife and I hope we can come back and celebrate the difference this has made."

Michael Kellet, director, Fife Health & Social Care Partnership, added: "This new service will make a huge difference for those diagnosed with cancer and their family and friends. 

"Getting information and advice on the things we take for granted will help support people to deal with their illness. 

"It's thanks to the partnership working across Health & Social Care Partnership, Macmillan Cancer Support, Fife Council, NHS Fife and the voluntary sector that we are able to provide this service." 
The project is open to everyone aged 16 and over living with cancer regardless of their cancer type or where they live in Fife. 

To find out more about the Fife Macmillan Improving the Cancer Journey service call 01592 578 076 or Improving.CancerJourney@fife.gov.uk