This inquiry of online patient–patient interactions expressly devoted to humour within a UK-based cancer forum discloses that typical forms of humour make fun of cancer and its results (e.g. awkward bodily functions and paraphernalia compulsory as part of therapy), allowing debate of scary, sensitive, tough and/or taboo experiences; possibly lowering the psychological influence of their experiences; easing a sense of individual and collective empowerment and constructing a sense of a coherent, encouraging community, thereby decreasing possible feelings of isolation. In these ways, humour aids contributors to manage their disease.