‘We are doing whatever it takes to support people’
Right now there are more than three million people living with cancer in the UK. Macmillan Cancer Support strives to help everyone with cancer to live life as fully as they can, supporting people who have been diagnosed as well as their carers and families.
Jenny Powell, a mother of three from Hertfordshire, was diagnosed with breast cancer during the pandemic. She was supported by her Macmillan nurse, Emma, and received financial support to help with her cancer diagnosis.
“My Macmillan nurse was my rock,” Jenny said. “I never had to worry about my treatment, or how the mastectomy would work because Emma explained it all to me. She took away this massive burden that no one wants to deal with.”
After their health, one of the biggest concerns for many people with cancer is their finances. On top of the spiralling cost of living, more than four in five people with cancer (83 per cent) face a significant financial impact as a result of their diagnosis, reaching almost £900 a month on average (extra costs may include transport to hospital and increased energy bills, while income may be reduced owing to the need to take time off work).
Acute money worries add intense layers of stress and anxiety for people with cancer.
In response to the growing number of calls to the Macmillan Support Line about the cost of living crisis, the charity is doubling its helpline team, which will be dedicated to supporting people with financial issues.
Jenny’s Macmillan nurse passed on her details to Debbie, a welfare benefits adviser, who helped her to apply for extra financial support including a Macmillan grant. “This was a godsend,” said Jenny. “I am mindful of what I spend, but there was no time to budget for additional expenses like buying wigs and new clothes. Debbie was like an angel to me.”
Lynda Thomas, the charity’s chief executive, said: “At Macmillan, we are doing whatever it takes to support people with cancer from the moment they are diagnosed – but we can’t do this alone.
“We are hugely grateful to be included in this year’s Christmas Charity Appeal, which will help us to continue to provide our vital range of support that people with cancer need now more than ever.”