One in two people born after 1960 will be diagnosed with some form of cancer in their lifetime according to Cancer Research UK. That means that nearly all of us will know at least one person with cancer. But for many of us, it’s still a taboo subject and we don’t know what to say or do for the best. Cancer Care Parcel * was set up by Dr Shara Cohen to address this issue, and to bring back a little calm into the lives of those suffering with cancer and its treatment.
Cancer Care Parcel
After Shara was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2013, she found there was very little time to just relax, take it all in and give herself some “me time”. Can you imagine all the appointments, liaising with work, trying to maintain a family life, telling the people who need to be told… After successfully undergoing treatment, she decided to set up Cancer Care Parcel as a way of helping fellow sufferers, but also helping friends and family who want to help but just don’t know how.
As some of you will know, I lost my beloved mother to cancer when I was 18. And I’ve lost my grandmother and two dear female friends to cancer too. Three members of my family have been diagnosed with cancer and are currently in remission. And one of these is also a Cancer Nurse Specialist. So when the opportunity to review one of Cancer Care Parcel’s boxes came along, I knew exactly which one I would choose.
Women’s Cancer Care Package
This gift package provides useful and comfort items for women with any cancer at any stage. The contents are therapy safe (including chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery) and practical for dealing with the everyday stress of cancer and its treatments. So what’s in the box?
Beauty and pampering
Vaseline® lip therapy® – dry or chapped lips are a very common side effect of cancer treatments. So this lovely softening and soothing lip balm containing triple-purified Vaseline® Petroleum Jelly (clinically shown to be safe and to protect and moisturise dry skin) is ideal. It also has rose and almond oils, both well-known in skincare treatments.
Hand and nail cream – dry skin is another common side effect of chemotherapy and radiation therapy, and sometimes soaps in hospital can be a little harsh. With sweet almond oil and shea butter, this Body Shop hand cream will moisturise hands and also condition nails, which chemotherapy render very brittle.
Staying hydrated
Water bottle – keeping hydrated is very important when you have cancer, as well as flushing the therapy toxins from your your kidneys. Chemotherapy alters taste buds and can cause mouth sores that make eating certain foods more difficult. So this UK manufactured water bottle is eco-friendly and BPA free. And it’s easy to hold, with a wide neck for quick filling and cleaning.
Chocolate and ginger tea – ginger is often recommended to relieve symptoms of nausea. Chemotherapy alters the sense of smell so smells that are usually pleasant become unbearable or too strong to cancer patients and increase nausea. Shibui leaf tea is a lovely blend of warming ginger and delectable chocolate (yum!) as well as a 2016 Great Taste Award Winner. The teabags are naturally caffeine free and biodegradable as well.
Comfort
Two supersoft neck cushions – these provide comfy support for the head, neck and shoulders in hospital, journeys, and at home. They’re filled with thousands of tiny microbeads which sculpt to the body’s shape. I have one that I use on airplane journeys and I love it. (Note: there was only one cushion in my box but I’m not complaining as it was a review box!)
Sleep mask – to help shut out the world and get some much-needed rest. This is made from soft, cushioned fabric with a padded nose bridge, so idea for sensitised skin.
Practicality
Earphones – a set of spare earphones are included for relaxing/resting and blocking out the noise/world in bed or hospital or when waiting for appointments. They should fit phones, tablets, iPads, iPods, MP3 players or computers.
Portable power bank: how annoying is it when your phone, tablet or MP3 player runs out of battery? Particularly on hospital visits, overnight stays or convalescing. This little powerbank has a unique design, is fast, light and ultra-portable.
Access to cancer resources – lastly, there’s a leaflet with a link to some free resources created to support people affected by cancer (including parents, friends, family and carers).
This Women’s Cancer Care Package is priced at a very reasonable £59.99. You can include a personalised gift message, and you can even split the cost. So ideal for family members, work colleagues, or close friends to club together and contribute something really helpful and appropriate at a time of great stress.
My Thoughts
Most people automatically think to send flowers to those in hospital or recovering at home. But I think the Cancer Care Parcel boxes are far more useful, thoughtful, and practical. Besides which, some hospitals won’t allow flowers due to allergies and fungal spores that place patients (especially blood and marrow transplant patients) at risk for infection.
At the time of writing, there are currently 19 different care boxes to choose from for men, women, teenagers, and children, with worldwide delivery options. There are also box options for a specific type of cancer, or for chemotherapy, radiation and hospital stays. And Cancer Care Parcel is proud to have won the Live Better With Spotlight award for the best mind and brain product in 2017. The company also partners with UK charities, raising awareness, donating gift boxes, and helping with fundraising.
With someone in the UK being diagnosed with cancer every two minutes, it’s more important than ever to have somewhere to turn for informed and practical help. I know my mother would have loved one of these boxes if they’d been available at the time. And sadly, the friend I was going to give this box to after my review has very recently died. So I’m going to give this box to my Cancer Nurse Specialist relative to pass on to one of her patients. Because it’s such a well-thought out selection of gifts, and I’d like to think they’ll bring comfort to someone who really needs it.
* I was gifted this box in exchange for a review but all opinions are my own and unbiased.
This is such a well-written and thoughtful review Lisa, your photography is beautiful. It is nice to see what other products are included in the different boxes, the Vaseline and Body Shop hand & nail cream are such useful items. Everything in this package is so thoughtfully chosen and good quality, it’s such a caring and appropriate gift. I’m so sorry to hear about the sad loss of your friend. I’m sure this gift will bring so much comfort to someone. My mum works in a care home so I gave her the Comfort Box I reviewed and she said it was very much appreciated. Lovely review <3 xx
Aw, thank you so much, Bexa, that’s so kind. I agree, I think the boxes are all so well thought out and practical. And it’s so good to have something like this available because so often people just do not know what to say and do for the best. That’s so sweet of you to give the box to your mum to pass on, I’m sure it was appreciated xxx
I honestly think this is such a wonderful idea, and what a brilliant review, Lisa! I love the packaging and message on the front, as well as the range of gifts inside. You can tell it’s been really carefully put together and a lot of consideration has been given to the contents. Plus, considering everything you get in there, the price is fantastic and worth it to put a smile on someone’s face who is going through such an awful experience. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you, Ruth! It’s such a helpful initiative, isn’t it? And so thoughtfully put together too. I think it’s something that most people with cancer would love and something that most people would love to gift too. I’m very happy I was able to review it 🙂 xx
Hi Ruth, thank you for your comments! We try really hard to ensure our parcels are the ideal collection of goodies. So great to see that you like them! Cancer Care Parcel
My mom was in the hospital for 3 weeks and it was difficult to keep her comfortable and this would have been great.
Jennifer
Ah, I was sorry to read about your mother, that’s so sad. But yes, I agree, I think a box like this would be wonderful for anyone in hospital x
This is such a thoughout set of items! Helping someone goin through something such as cancer can be very difficult, and having things like this to help can make the journey a bit easier
They are wonderful, aren’t they? I agree with you, I think they can really help make life that little bit easier, it’s such a good idea 🙂 xx
That statistic is rather frightening! Loving the sound of this package! Such a great idea! such a great variety of products as well. A great review! Sorry to hear about the loss of your friend. This gift will sure bring comfort!
Ah, I’m sorry, but I thought it was worth mentioning because I don’t think many people realise it! Thank you for your condolences, much appreciated, and yes, I’m sure the box will help my relative’s patients too xx
This is such an amazing idea. I wish products like this were more widely known about. This would be amazing for anyone who has to have an extended stay in hospital. It has the perfect mix of practicality and pampering x
Sophie
http://www.glowsteady.co.uk
It is, isn’t it? TBH I hadn’t heard of the company before they put a call out on Twitter but I absolutely love what they do, I only wish I’d heard about them sooner xx
This care box is such a lovely idea! I never even knew this existed and I will never forgot now. This is so much better than receiving flowers like you said because it is also a nice surprise, and we all love surprises. Everything in this parcel is so lovely, especially the sound of the ginger and chocolate tea! Beautiful pictures too! xx
I didn’t know either but I agree, it’s amazingly thoughtful and practical and the tea smells heavenly, even if I didn’t taste it, haha. Thank you for your lovely comment xx
Hi Sharnah, we can confirm the ginger and chocolate tea is delicious! Thank you for your lovely comments on the parcel! Really nice to read that people are loving the different packages and contents we are putting together! Thanks, Cancer Care Parcel
I honestly think this whole concept is just incredible, an amazing idea and products that are so thoughtful too! fingers crossed I’ll never need to buy this for anyone but I can imagine how grateful someone would be to receive such a thoughtful package!
Soph – https://sophhearts.com x
I agree 100%, these boxes are soooo well thought out, aren’t they? I’m so glad I came across them! X
What an amazing box, everything is perfect for people suffering and living with cancer. I hope this will bring someone a smile!
Thank you, they are amazing boxes aren’t they? I’m very lucky to have been able to review one! X
Oh wow, this is such a lovely idea. Unfortunately, one of our best friends dad has just been diagnosed with cancer so I’m going to look into this package. You never really know what to say/send when something like this strikes someone so close to you but I’m so glad I came across your post today. The products look so useful and a wide range to take care of someone. Great review!
Liz xx
Oh, I’m so sorry to hear about your friend’s dad. There are Men’s gift boxes available too so hopefully one of them might be suitable. Thank you so much for your lovely comment, I do hope your friend’s dad’s cancer has been caught in good time xx
Hi Liz, we are so glad you like the idea! Just like you said, Cancer Care Parcel was created to help people know what to send or say when a loved one is diagnosed with cancer. I am so sorry to hear about you friends Dad. As Lisa said we do indeed have a number of Men’s gift boxes too so be sure to check out our site. Thanks, Cancer Care Parcel
This is such a well thought out box and every item is carefully selected. Loved reading this post Lisa. 🙂
Via | http://glossnglitters.com
It really is, it’s such a wonderful idea. Thank you, Via, so glad you enjoyed the review xx
This so such a fantastic box and for a really important reason. Its scary to think that 1 in 2 people will be diagnosed, it’s a horrible disease that affects so many people in lots of ways. It can be a really strenuous thing to go through so this box will bring some comfort to people who need it most.
I feel very honoured to have had the opportunity to review this box. It’s such an amazing idea, as you say, to bring comfort to those in need xx
Such a cute idea – I like the idea of giving something thoughtful that is also useful.
Thank you, I’m so glad you enjoyed the post 🙂