Cancer patient calls for dental costs rethink
ANDREA LAMBROU
An inspirational Westwood gran is spearheading a campaign calling for free dental care for cancer patients.
Mags McNeil-Devlin launched a petition after chemotherapy led her to needing treatment on her teeth.
The 62-year-old breast cancer sufferer had to have two teeth removed and ended up with an infection in her jaw delaying further chemo treatment.
Mags was then shocked to discover not all cancer patients are entitled to free treatment.
Her 1000-strong petition is calling on Health Secretary Jeane Freeman and First Minister Nicola Sturgeon to make dental treatment free for all Scottish cancer patients for a period of five years from diagnosis or for life if the cancer is treatable but not curable.
Mags said: “Last year in June I found out via a routine mammogram that I had grade three, triple negative breast cancer. I was completely shocked.
“I am still undergoing chemotherapy today, seven months later, and will start a course of radiotherapy when this ends.
“Dental issues are a widely known as one such side effect of this treatment.
“I have lost my hair, my eyebrows and my fingernails and toenails have fallen off. Unfortunately chemotherapy has meant that I have lost some back molar teeth and now months later, my teeth are starting to crumble.”
Prescription charges in Scotland are free, but people are only exempt from dental charges if they receive certain benefits or are pregnant.
Mags was also shocked to discover thousands of people who don’t have cancer but have had chemotherapy treatment have the same problem.
Mags added: “Many cancer patients, who have previously had little or no dental issues, experience loss or crumbling of teeth together with a whole host of other dental problems that occur during or after treatment for cancer.
“The cost of dental work can be overwhelming – even with care on the NHS. Many cancer patients are unable to work and having to pay for dental treatment can add to the stress they are already experiencing through their condition and reduced finances.
“I’m asking the Scottish Government to introduce free dental care for all cancer patients for a period of five years from diagnosis (renewable if dental problems continue), or for life if the patient has a cancer that is treatable but not curable.
“I also never knew that there are thousands of people out there without cancer who are being charged hundreds of pounds for dental treatment after undergoing chemo.
“Please sign and share this petition to help cancer patients who need dental care.”
The Scottish Government has an £18m partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support to ensure every cancer patient in the country has access to emotional, practical and financial advice.
A spokesman said: “Ministers understand that people with cancer can face unexpected or unavoidable costs and we continue to work with partner agencies like Macmillan to help remove some of the financial stress that can happen.
“All dental examinations and advice are free in Scotland and cancer patients may be eligible for free dental treatment as part of a secondary care consultantled medical treatment plan.
“Patients can also apply to the NHS Low Income Scheme, where the applicant may receive help towards the cost of their NHS dental care.”
Backing Mags’ petition, Central Scotland MSP Monica Lennon said: “Inspiring to see East Kilbride woman Mags McNeil making the powerful case for free dental treatment for people who have had cancer treatment.
“Mags was diagnosed with breast cancer last year. She’s never once complained and has constantly drawn on her own cancer journey to challenge health inequalities and help others.
“Please support her petition and ask the Scottish Government to review dental charges for cancer patients.”
The cost of dental work can be overwhelming...