Charities play an important role in the provision of cancer services.  The NHS works closely with charities such as Macmillan, Marie Curie, Cancer Research UK, Action Cancer, Ulster Cancer Foundation and the Hospice to provide a range of cancer services to the people of Northern Ireland.  Some examples of this are:

• Macmillan employs GPs Facilitators who work with GPs to improve the quality of care for cancer and palliative care patients.
• Macmillan employs nurses who work with the Cancer Centre and Units.
• Provision of respite and palliative care.
• Provision of training in cancer and palliative care.
• Provision of patient information and support services.

• Cancer Research UK funds scientists, doctors and nurses and involved in cancer research and the delivery of clinical trials of new cancer therapies.