Ciarán Devane: Macmillan helps 50% of people living with cancer – we want to reach 100%

Macmillan Cancer Support has partnered with Boots to deliver cancer support services on the high st. Chief executive of Macmillan

The CEO of Macmillan has ambitious plans to help more of the UKs cancer patients. Photograph: Guardian

It's seven years now since my wife Katy died of cancer. And for five years before her death, I'd been her carer through all the bad and, yes, some good.

Katy and I were, in some ways, the lucky ones. We had the support we both needed to help ease that cancer journey from diagnosis to death. But I knew that many others didn't. They weren't getting the help and advice, the clinical, practical and emotional support that makes that journey so much easier and less frightening.

Did I join Macmillan as its chief executive because of this personal experience? Yes, of course. I hoped I could bring that understanding and knowledge to take Macmillan even further ahead in its ambition of reaching everyone affected by cancer.

Currently, there are two million people living with a cancer diagnosis in the UK and thanks to our work we're now reaching out to just over half of them. But by 2030, our research shows that the number of people with cancer will double to four million.

That's a staggering figure and the reality is that if we only do what we do today, hospitals, GP surgeries, and charities like ourselves will simply not be able to meet this demand for information and support services.

Cancer care and support will need to help people stay well and at home. And that means some radical changes. We can't do it alone. It was always my belief that we were going to need a 'partner' to bring cancer support services to every high street and local community in the country. With health care expertise, high street and extensive local community presence, Boots UK became our chosen partner, and by providing the best cancer information and support, together we can make a huge difference.

Boots customers can already pick up a Macmillan leaflet with general information about cancer from all its stores and find out the practical, medical, financial and emotional support available to them from us. Many people who have been diagnosed with cancer often are unaware of the support that's out there and don't realise the breadth of Macmillan services available to them. We are known for the iconic Macmillan nurses – but we do so much more.

Testing the ground has been a vital part of this and with research showing that the biggest healthcare worry for most of us is cancer it's been crucial to make sure both Macmillan and Boots UK are giving the customer who walks into those Boots stores, what they want and need.

The Birmingham area is the first testing ground with selected Boots stores offering not only information leaflets and contacts for local Macmillan support services, but in one of the larger stores, an information zone staffed by one of Macmillan's information specialists. Through this trial, we can evaluate how best our partnership can support people affected by cancer in their local communities.

But it's not just a one-way thing. Fundraising is going to be a crucial part of this partnership too. Macmillan almost completely relies on voluntary donations for its income. Boots UK has already committed to this with a company-wide scheme called 'Miles for Macmillan', with their employees aiming to clock up 290,000 miles of fundraising activities (one mile for every person diagnosed with cancer each year in the UK). It's hugely generous and much appreciated.

There will also be various volunteering opportunities – including supporting local fundraising events, campaigning on behalf of Macmillan, and developing a scheme to directly assist people affected by cancer through practical support projects.

There are exciting times ahead and through our new partnership we will improve the lives of everyone living with cancer.

Top tips to a successful partnership

A joint vision, with benefits for the customer – our vision with Boots is to improve the lives of everyone affected by cancer. It is a huge ambition but one that both of us are committed to deliver.

Honesty and openness – being transparent is key. If any aspect of the partnership isn't working as expected, it is important to talk openly and to work through it together.

Clear governance – there are many different stakeholders involved in the delivery of the partnership's vision. For this to be successful there needs to be a clear structure of responsibilities and those who oversee the activities need to be able to take a step back and see the 'big picture'.

Patience, determination and a good sense of humour – things do not always run smoothly and there are often challenges along the way. What Macmillan is trying to achieve in partnership with Boots is immense. It will be a constant learning curve to ensure that we deliver the best possible outcome for people affected by cancer.

Perspective – sometimes there is too much focus on what isn't working well and we should instead make sure to celebrate the many successes and achievements made by the partnership.

Macmillan's Cancertalk Week is running from 15 – 22 February. Macmillan and Boots UK are encouraging everyone to get talking about cancer, share concerns and ask questions.

Ciarán Devane is chief executive of Macmillan Cancer Support

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