Cancer patients struggle to make ends meet

Cancer patients are skipping meals and worrying about losing their home because of the financial impact of their disease, a charity warned today.

Research from Macmillan Cancer Support found 73 per cent of Scots cancer patients face increased costs and a drop in income due to their illness.

The charity warned the situation would get worse if UK government plans to cut support by up to £94 a week are passed as part of the Welfare Reform Bill, being debated at Westminster tomorrow.

Survey results found 71 per cent of cancer patients in Scotland reported an increase in costs as a result of travelling to hospital, coupled with a rise in household expenses.

More than half – 51 per cent – said they were anxious because of their financial situation.

The new research by YouGov, on behalf of Macmillan, also showed 8 per cent of those financially affected said they skipped meals to save money.

Out of those surveyed, 16 per cent had problems paying household bills and 10 per cent were scared of losing their home. The report also showed 70 per cent felt the biggest impact on their finances came within the six months after diagnosis.

Elspeth Atkinson, Macmillan’s director for Scotland, said the research proved how close to the breadline many patients are.

She said: “While we understand the benefits system is in need of reform, certain changes in the Welfare Reform Bill could have catastrophic effects on many families who are already struggling.

“We know many lords oppose these proposals and hope they support cancer patients as the Bill makes its way through Parliament.”

Macmillan Cancer Support wants the bill amended so every patient eligible for the Employment and Support Allowance will receive it for as long as needed.

The charity said proposed changes to the unemployment benefit would leave 7,000 people almost £100 a week worse off. It also warned that cancer patients needing immediate financial help to cover extra costs following their diagnosis will be forced to wait six months instead of three to get the Personal Independence Payment (PIP), which replaces Disability Living Allowance (DLA).

A total of 1,697 adults in the UK, including 158 in Scotland, who have cancer took the survey online between 1 and 16 August.

A quarter of those surveyed have an annual income of less than £15,000 a year.

Labour MP for Stirling, and shadow minister for disabled people, Anne McGuire said: “It is utterly shameful that any patient would have to miss meals or worry about losing their home, just because they have cancer and the last thing they need is the Government threatening to take away their help.

“Everyone knows a family who has been touched by cancer in some way, and the proposal to cut back on support is deeply flawed.”