Janice Preston says cancer patients face a dual challenge of fighting for their health and paying their bills
If you ask someone to name the side effects of cancer, hair loss, nausea and tiredness will probably top the list. But what about poverty?
Evidence has shown that money is the second biggest worry for cancer patients after pain, with research by Macmillan Cancer Support finding that 80 per cent of Scottish cancer patients are £420 worse off every month after diagnosis.
The cancer plan, published by the Scottish Government in March 2016, promises that everyone diagnosed with the disease will be offered a holistic needs assessment, which includes an appraisal of their financial needs.
Some people are still slipping through the net and are missing out on benefits they desperately need, simply because they don’t know help is available
Janice Preston
While this is great news, we want every political party in Scotland to pledge that if they get into power after the May elections, they will follow through on this promise as a matter of urgency.
At a time when patients are struggling with the physical and emotional effects of cancer, they shouldn’t have to worry about how they are going to pay their bills on a reduced income.
As well as the costs of everyday life, cancer brings the additional expense of increased fuel bills as patients struggle to stay warm after treatment and the cost of travelling to regular hospital appointments.
For those working before their diagnosis, they have to cover these extra costs from sick pay or benefits which are a fraction of their previous income, while those already on benefits can find the increased outlay tips them further into poverty.
For many patients, trying to navigate the benefits system and fill in long complex forms at the same time as dealing with a cancer diagnosis, can be very difficult.
Previous research by Macmillan found that 30 per cent of cancer patients went without keeping their home adequately warm in winter because they couldn’t afford it and around one in ten missed payments on their council tax, credit card, mortgage or rent.
In an attempt to reduce the financial burden faced by cancer patients, Macmillan in Scotland has worked with local councils, the Scottish Government, the NHS and other charities since 2003 to put in place 22 specialist benefits advice services across the country.
Despite the support services out there though, some people are still slipping through the net and are missing out on benefits they desperately need, simply because they don’t know help is available.
We want everyone diagnosed with cancer to be offered a full assessment of all their needs. They must then be supported to get help dealing with the problems they are facing, whether that comes from Macmillan, another charity, the local council or any other organisation providing support services.
Good cancer support is too important to be left to chance. Email your local politician and ask them to pledge their support.
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Janice Preston is head of services for Macmillan Cancer Support in Scotland
