David Beckham is the celebrity most people would like to confide in if they have a problem, according to a survey by Macmillan Cancer Support for their Cancertalk Week(1). Over 13,000 people were asked who'd they'd turn to if they had a problem and Beckham scored a goal by coming first(2), narrowly beating the nation's up and coming sweetheart, Cheryl Cole.

Macmillan is running Cancertalk Week from January 19 - 23, to show how important it is to talk about cancer and to get support. With three quarters (75 per cent) of people saying they feel alone after being diagnosed with cancer(3); Macmillan Cancer Support is encouraging anyone affected by the disease to get in touch and get any worries or concerns off their chests.

Following David and Cheryl, TV host Fern Britten came third, closely followed by Paul O' Grady, who would certainly put a smile on your face after a heart to heart.

"We can't promise you David Beckham, but being able to talk about how cancer is affecting your life can really help how you feel. If you worry about burdening friends or family, or simply want to talk to someone going through the same thing, then Macmillan is always here to listen," says Debbie Gardener, a Macmillan Cancer Nurse Specialist.  "By calling Macmillan on 0800 500 800 you can talk to a nurse to discuss your cancer concerns, be put in touch with a support group or speak to a benefits adviser who can help you to get to grips with what benefits are out there."

Macmillan offers a huge range of services for anyone affected by cancer. These include local support groups, living with cancer courses, volunteers who can help with everything from walking the dog to offering company, and even easy to cook recipes to help those undergoing treatment.  Our website is used by over 50,000 people every week to get information and support from others affected by cancer.

If you want to talk about cancer Macmillan can help. Freephone 0800 500 800 or visit http://www.macmillan.org.uk/.

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***CASE STUDIES AVAILABLE***

1. Talking about cancer is hard - Macmillan can make it easier. Cancertalk Week runs from January 19 to 23.

2. The poll by uk/Toluna.com asked 13,176 people in Dec 2008 which celebrity they would most like to confide in. The results were:

David Beckham - 25%

Cheryl Cole - 22%

Fern Britten - 20%

Paul O' Grady - 14%

Gok Wan - 11%

Coleen Rooney - 8%

3. A survey by Macmillan Cancer Support and Toluna.com in Dec 2008 of 567 people living with cancer found that 75 per cent of people felt alone after a cancer diagnosis.

4. Last year Macmillan Cancer Support helped people affected by cancer claim more than £50 million in grants and benefits. Over 50,000 people visit Macmillan's website - http://www.macmillan.org.uk/ every week.

5. About Macmillan Cancer Support: Macmillan Cancer Support improves the lives of people affected by cancer, providing practical, medical, emotional and financial support. Working alongside people affected by cancer, Macmillan works to improve cancer care. One in three of us will get cancer. Two million of us are living with and beyond cancer. If you are affected by cancer Macmillan can help.