Leading cancer charity Macmillan Cancer Support says they’re facing record numbers of people asking for financial help.
Worryingly, patients are delaying or cancelling their medical appointments as they can’t afford to go to them.
The cost of living crisis coupled with rising energy bills and inflation means basic costs – such as transport – are now out of reach for some cancer patients.
The charity calls this a ‘downward spiral’ and claims ‘the worst is yet to come’ when looking at patient health and prognosis.
The bleak situation is even forcing people to choose between potentially life-saving treatment and their next meal.
Macmillan’s research shows two million people with cancer in the UK are concerned about the cost of food or water – and these prices are expected to continue rising.
Financial pressures have already led to at least 20,000 cancer patients delaying or cancelling travel to medical appointments, too, from treatment to consultations.
This could have major impacts upon their lifespan and health.
At present, the charity has exceeded what it typically gives in grants per year, so is having to invest more into providing extra support – so far, 34,000 people have been given a grant.
Christopher Jones, who works for the charity, says: ‘There has been a real change in the tone of the calls we have been receiving on the Support Line recently.
‘People are really struggling, and emotions are heightened.
‘We’re hearing from people every day who are feeling the enormous pressure with the rise in cost of living and not knowing what to do or where to turn, all while coming to terms with a cancer diagnosis.
‘Some are even having to face the impossible choice between getting to hospital appointments or food and water.
‘We want anyone with cancer who is struggling or facing financial hardship to know that they are not alone and Macmillan’s specially trained teams are on hand, every day, to provide support.’
Macmillan’s research also shows one in five people with cancer are struggling to pay basic living costs.
On top of this, waiting times for benefits they are entitled to are ‘distressingly long’ and, naturally, this is having a knock-on impact on patient mental health.
Macmillan’s figures show more than half a million people with cancer are depressed or feel hopeless on a weekly basis.
They fear rising energy costs will only increase this.
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