Thousands left in debts
Cancer is leaving thousands of Scot's in debt.
A new survey by Macmillian Cancer Support and a YouGov poll has found 30,000 people in Scotland struggle to keep up with bills following a diagnosis.
One in three have used their savings, one in three have borrowed money and one in ten have skipped or reduced meals.
Trisha Hatt, Macmillan Cancer Support in Scotland says: "Today’s findings highlight just how appalling the financial situation has become for many people with cancer in Scotland. No one should have to worry about where money to pay for their heating is going to come from when they’re going through cancer, or be forced to buy less nutritious food at a time when they need it the most.
Unfortunately cancer comes with a cost, and not just one that’s physical and emotional, but one which can create a huge financial strain for people. Often cancer patients are forced to manage a loss of income, if they or their partner need to stop working, on top of the additional costs that come with a cancer diagnosis, such as regular trips to medical appointments and increased household bills as a person with cancer feels the cold more. That’s why Macmillan provide finance advice and benefits services across Scotland so people can access this much needed support to get the benefits they are entitled to.
However, the Welfare Reform and Work Bill is currently going through Parliament and it proposes to reduce the benefits of cancer patients who are unable to or need help getting back to work by around £30 a week. Macmillan is calling on the Government to reconsider these plans as they could leave thousands of people with cancer without a sufficient financial lifeline at a time when they are already struggling.
We understand that managing the financial impact of the disease is complex and that ultimately there is not a ‘magic bullet’ which will solve all of this. But Government at every level has a duty to protect people with cancer from further financial turmoil."
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