The Monthly Cost Of Cancer Shocking news – but help and care are at hand
Macmillan Cancer Support can help ease the often crippling financial burden on people receiving treatment for cancer
“The last thing you need to be worrying about is how to pay the bills”
Coping with cancer is a traumatic experience for every patient but for some, they have the added worry of the financial impact a cancer diagnosis will have on themselves and their family.
In new research from Macmillan Cancer Support, they have calculated that cancer has an average monthly cost of £570 for the vast majority (83%) of cancer patients – far more than the average person has to spare each month.
Extra costs can include travel to and from hospital appointments, an increase in household bills due to being at home more, and paying for extra support with help at home. Many people have to cut down their working hours or stop working altogether because they are too unwell, resulting in a loss of income.
Previous research by the charity shows that more than a third (36%) of people with cancer had no idea it would affect them financially, and a further one in 10 underestimated the extent that they’d be affected. In some situations, families find themselves forced to turn to their savings, credit cards, take out a loan or even sell their home to cover the potential shortfall.
However, help is at hand for those who find themselves struggling financially. Macmillan, which offers grants, benefits advice and financial guidance is urging people to seek help as soon as possible to stop money worries spiralling out of control.
Lynda Thomas, Chief Executive at Macmillan Cancer Support, says, “At a time when thousands of families are struggling to make ends meet, a cancer diagnosis can be the straw that breaks the camel’s back, sending them into financial freefall.
“We’re talking about families whose world has already been turned upside down and now they’re having to stop going out or spending money on small treats. And even then they’re still at risk of getting into debt. It’s a worrying, isolating place to be.
“When you’re diagnosed with cancer, the last thing you need to be worrying about is how to pay the bills and keep a roof over your head, but there is help out there. At Macmillan we offer financial support to help people get back on their feet. Last year we helped 90,000 people affected by cancer unlock £267million in benefits alone.” lDon’ t miss more tips on this subject from our money expert Sue Hayward in next week’ s My Weekly.